Gerry Adams Denies IRA Involvement in High Court Bombing Testimony
Gerry Adams, the former leader of Sinn Fein, has appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where he firmly denied any involvement in bombings carried out by the Irish Republican Army (IRA). In a witness statement delivered on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Mr Adams stated he had "no involvement whatsoever" in the attacks and was never a member of the paramilitary group or its Army Council.
Civil Claim Brought by Bombing Victims
The legal case was initiated by three individuals who were injured in separate bombings: the 1973 attack at London's Old Bailey, and the 1996 blasts in London's Docklands and Manchester. These incidents marked some of the Provisional IRA's most significant operations on the British mainland. The claimants are seeking a ruling that Mr Adams is personally liable as a senior IRA member, with damages set at a symbolic £1.
During his testimony, Mr Adams, now 77 years old, wished the judge a "very happy St Patrick's Day" and reiterated his long-standing denial of IRA membership. He emphasized, "I was never the commanding officer, or OC of the 2nd Battalion of the IRA's Belfast brigade," and added that he never held any rank or role within the organization.
Adams Defends Political Stance
Mr Adams used the opportunity to clarify the separation between Sinn Fein and the IRA, stating, "Sinn Fein is a political party that seeks a whole range of political objectives, including an end to partition and Irish unity." He argued that opponents have often conflated the two entities, but maintained they are distinct organizations.
Under cross-examination, he was questioned about a 1986 video showing him with Martin McGuinness and Kevin Mallon, alleged to be senior IRA figures. Mr Adams denied any such role, responding, "I can't talk about my involvement in the IRA, because I wasn't involved in the IRA." He also addressed the deadly nature of the IRA's actions, noting, "The business of the IRA was to resist armed British occupation and oppression in the part of Ireland that I lived in."
Focus on Peace Process
Despite retiring from front-line politics, Mr Adams expressed his commitment to the peace process and promoting Irish unity. He highlighted his decades of work in Northern Ireland, aiming to bring an end to the conflict through political means. The court case continues as both sides present further evidence and arguments.
