Adams concedes Northern bank might be IRA
Gerry Adams today admitted for the first time that the IRA may have been behind the Northern Bank raid.
During an interview with a Madrid radio station, Mr Adams repeated that he did not believe the republican terror group carried out the December 20 heist.
He said: “The IRA has said it was not them. I believe them.” But he added: “But maybe I am wrong.”
Despite claims by ceasefire watchdog the Independent Monitoring Commission that Sinn Féin leaders sanctioned the robbery, Mr Adams insisted his party was not involved.
He pointed to recent comments by Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde that he had no idea whether Sinn Féin members had prior knowledge of the robbery.
He conceded that the allegations had soured the political atmosphere but expressed hope that there could be political progress after the general election.
SDLP West Belfast MLA, Alex Attwood, said: "If Gerry Adams now says he could be wrong than it has to be accepted that the Taoiseach, policing chiefs and countless others could be and are right about IRA involvement in bank raids and crime.
“The comments of the Sinn Féin President indicate that whatever denials and deceit, the truth will out about IRA involvement in stealing and smuggling.”
| Related Stories: |
|
