Plot to kill Adams 'aborted'
Dissident republican terrorists have been plotting to assassinate Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, it was claimed tonight.
The new attempt to murder the West Belfast MP was aborted because of his own security arrangements, according to a report.
Police went to his home in the last few days to alert him that a possible shooting was being planned.
Mr Adams claimed the threat was because of internal party discussions over whether to take the historic step of publicly endorsing the North's police service for the first time.
It followed earlier warnings to other senior Sinn Féin representatives Gerry Kelly and Martin McGuinness that they too were being targeted by rogue republicans.
Mr Adams said: "Some weeks ago the Sinn Féin leadership expressed concern about the coming together of a tiny number of disaffected former IRA people and elements of various micro-groups including some members of the INLA (Irish National Liberation Army).
"This has become more serious as a debate within Sinn Féin has opened up on the issue of ending political policing.
"We believe that there is now an active threat to senior members of the Sinn Féin leadership and we are taking this matter seriously.
"I understand that there are republicans who are concerned about current political developments and especially discussions around policing."
A written message delivered to him by officers revealed details of the threat.
It said: "Dissident republicans recently discussed mounting an attack, possibly a shooting, on Gerry Adams, but discounted such a plan due to Adams' security arrangements.
"You are advised to seek advice on and take steps to protect your personal security."
It was the second time in just over a month that Mr Adams has been warned by police that his life is in danger and came days after Mr Kelly was alerted.
But the Sinn Féin chief vowed not to be swayed by any plot.
"I would urge them not to allow themselves to be exploited or manipulated by individuals who are now operating to their own malign agenda and who should know better," he told the Andersonstown News.
"As for Sinn Féin, we will not be deflected from what we think is the right thing to do."
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman refused to confirm if officers contacted Mr Adams.
She said: "We do not discuss the security of individuals. But where we feel there's a need to warn them we will advise them of their security."
