“Why did you not join the IRA?” Gerry Adams (FULL INTERVIEW) - BBC News
BBC News・11 minutes read
Jerry Adams, stepping down as Sinn Fein president, reflects on his work for Irish unity through peaceful means and expresses concern about Brexit's impact on Ireland, advocating for special status for Northern Ireland within the EU to avoid potential violence. Adams denies IRA membership, emphasizing political activism and opposition to violence in achieving Irish independence.
Insights
- Jerry Adams, despite his controversial past with IRA, is now focused on achieving Irish unity through peaceful methods, highlighting the importance of avoiding violence and embracing dialogue.
- Adams expresses concerns about the potential negative impacts of Brexit on Ireland, particularly emphasizing the risk of economic disaster and the resurgence of violence if a hard border is established, advocating for special EU status for Northern Ireland to mitigate these risks.
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Recent questions
How is Jerry Adams perceived in Irish politics?
Jerry Adams is a controversial figure in Irish politics, known for his involvement in IRA atrocities and his role in the Good Friday Agreement. He has been a divisive figure due to his past actions and his efforts towards a united Ireland.
What is Jerry Adams' stance on Irish unity?
Jerry Adams believes that Irish unity is achievable through peaceful means, despite facing challenges. He has been a proponent of working towards a united Ireland through diplomatic and non-violent methods.
How does Jerry Adams view Brexit's impact on Ireland?
Jerry Adams sees Brexit as detrimental to Ireland, potentially leading to economic disaster and border issues. He is concerned that a hard border post-Brexit could reignite violence, a worry he shares with many others.
What solution does Jerry Adams propose for Northern Ireland post-Brexit?
Jerry Adams advocates for special status for Northern Ireland within the EU to avoid negative consequences. He believes that this special status could help mitigate the potential economic and political fallout from Brexit.
What is Jerry Adams' stance on Sinn Fein's role in Westminster?
Jerry Adams emphasizes Sinn Fein's mandate to abstain from Westminster votes, focusing on Irish independence. He denies IRA membership and highlights his political activism and opposition to violence as key aspects of his party's approach.
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Summary
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Jerry Adams: From IRA to Irish Unity
- Jerry Adams, a divisive political figure, is known for his involvement in IRA atrocities and his role in the Good Friday Agreement.
- After 35 years as Sinn Fein president, Adams is stepping down and reflecting on his life's work for a united Ireland.
- Adams believes Irish unity is achievable through peaceful means, despite challenges.
- Brexit is seen as detrimental to Ireland, potentially leading to economic disaster and border issues.
- Concerns exist that a hard border post-Brexit could reignite violence, a worry shared by Adams.
- Adams advocates for special status for Northern Ireland within the EU to avoid negative consequences.
- Adams emphasizes Sinn Fein's mandate to abstain from Westminster votes, focusing on Irish independence.
- Adams denies IRA membership, highlighting his political activism and opposition to violence.
