The Sinn Fein President is considering taking legal action against the Evening Herald after the newspaper published an interview with the late Jean McConville’s daughter.
McConville was murdered in 1972 by the IRA, her body recovered in Louth – coincidently Gerry Adams’ current constituency.
Helen McKendry, daughter of Jean McConville, claimed in an interview with the Herald that Adams is hiding from his past.
She is convinced of his involvement in her mother’s death and went as far as to say that he is “in fact dancing on Jean’s grave.”
Gerry Adams has responded, saying “I reject absolutely any accusation that I had any hand or part in the killing and disappearing of Jean McConville or in any of the other allegations that are being promoted.”
He has sent the paper a solicitors’ letter, threatening legal action, after which the Herald responded with an editorial.
It read: “His solicitor’s letter to us shows that Mr Adams is sensitive to public criticism – a weakness of which other political leaders here cannot stand accused.
“It was Adams’ decision to put himself forward for election to the Dáil. It is only proper that as a candidate his past should come under examination and fair comment.
“He may well dislike a younger generation being reminded of the atrocities committed in the past – like the abduction and brutal murder of Jean McConville – but he cannot claim to be entitled to a ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ treatment while seeking public office.
“As a campaigning newspaper it is our duty to uncover the truth and support the victimised. We will continue to do so – despite the Sinn Fein leader’s bully boy tactics.”
