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Abuse allegations have been seized upon in calculated way by Sinn Féin opponents - Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams claims the case of Belfast woman Maíria Cahill has ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

14.24 25 Oct 2014


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Abuse allegations have been se...

Abuse allegations have been seized upon in calculated way by Sinn Féin opponents - Gerry Adams

Newstalk
Newstalk

14.24 25 Oct 2014


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Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams claims the case of Belfast woman Maíria Cahill has been unfairly politicised by Sinn Féin's opposition and some media commentators.

Ms Cahill claims she was raped as a teenager by a suspected IRA member and was later interrogated by the IRA who covered up what happened.

Speaking in Belfast today, Gerry Adams said there was no doubt that Ms Cahill was caused great distress and was entitled to truth and justice.

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He called on former IRA volunteers with any information on sexual abuse allegations to contact the "PSNI, An Garda Siochána, Social Services, the HSE or any of the advocacy groups or helplines which deal with sexual abuse cases," as they are "properly equipped to pursue these matters."

He insisted he did all he could to support Ms Cahill and that Sinn Féin had acted in good faith.

Mr Adams said Ms Cahill had made serious allegations about him and other Sinn Féin members, and explained while he is very mindful of the trauma she has suffered, he and the others she has named reject these allegations.

He claimed the allegations "have been seized upon in the most cynical, calculated and opportunistic way" by Sinn Féin's political opponents.

He insisted their aim has little to do with helping victims of abuse, but everything to do with "furthering their own narrow political agendas".

Mr Adams concluded his speech by stating "we know that we are not part of any conspiracy to protect child abusers or to cover up abuse. So the difficult issues raised by Mairia Cahill must be addressed.

"But there are processes for doing this. They should be applied and respected. Let us be clear this is not achievable by exploiting her story in a blatant effort to demonise Sinn Féin," he added.

Meanwhile, the solicitor of the four people accused of interrogating Ms Cahill over her rape claims says he won't allow them to meet Enda Kenny.

Peter Madden says a meeting would undermine the review currently being carried out by the prosecution service in the North.


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