Gardaí to review security at Adams' holiday home
Gardaí are reviewing security around the Co Donegal holiday home of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams after recent threats to his life.
The move comes after reports that Mr Adams and other party leadership figures such as Martin McGuinness and Gerry Kelly may be targeted by disaffected IRA members opposed to any moves to support policing as part of a power-sharing deal for the North.
Dissident republicans were recently blamed for arson attacks on commercial premises around Halloween and for ongoing incidents involving guns and home-made bombs.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell requested a security assessment of Mr Adams' home from the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy and he received a written report on the issue late last week.
Mr Adams' north Co Donegal holiday home has been the subject of media attention in the past.
He uses the remote cottage as a retreat during the summer months to write books and answer correspondence.
A Department of Justice spokesman refused to comment on specific security issues relating to Mr Adams, but added: "Security for individuals or premises in this jurisdiction would of course be a matter for the Garda."
Sinn Féin also declined to comment on any security arrangements for any member of the party.
Referring to the recent reports of security threats, a spokesman added: "The security threats remain very real. We are taking them very seriously and making the necessary precautions to ensure the party can get on with its work."
In order to restore power-sharing in the North, Sinn Féin is contemplating finally joining other political parties in endorsing the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
But hard-liners within the republican movement are believed to be fiercely opposed to such a move.
Speaking about the threats, Mr Adams said last week: "Obviously, there are elements out there who are opposed to Sinn Fein strategy and who are seeking to exploit the current situation.
"I would not be playing this up or dealing with it as anything other than just the atmosphere in which we work.
"I am calling on people to ensure they are not being manipulated. I uphold people's right to express an opinion on issues in a frank, open and comradely debate on any matter."
