Gerry adams Reflects on IRA’s Legacy and the Future of a United Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland ‍- Gerry Adams, a ‍prominent figure in Sinn Féin, has spoken about the enduring legacy of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and ⁤his vision for a united Ireland, marking the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Adams emphasized the IRA’s absence as a “feature” of contemporary ireland as⁢ proof of its decommissioning, while also acknowledging the profound regret over civilian casualties.

IRA’s Decommissioning and Apologies

Adams highlighted the IRA’s⁣ cessation of activity as a testament to its commitment ‍to the peace process. “The proof of ⁢it is that 20 years later the IRA isn’t a ⁣feature,” he stated. “Some may want ⁤to make ⁣it a feature, invent, fabricate and so⁣ on, but that’s the proof of it.”

When questioned about⁣ whether the IRA should issue a broader apology for lives lost, ‍Adams ⁤referred to a 2002 statement made on the ⁣anniversary ⁢of Bloody Friday, a series of bombings in Belfast that resulted ‍in nine fatalities. This statement included an offer of “sincere apologies and condolences” to the families⁣ of “non-combatants” killed or injured ‍by IRA actions.

“I think in fairness that the⁢ record will show that the⁢ IRA leadership have apologised on a number ‍of occasions about specific⁤ incidents or operations which it was involved in, particularly around ‍the issue of civilian casualties or fatalities,” Adams commented. ⁣He expressed ⁤deep personal regret:⁢ “One of the big regrets that I have is that so‍ many people were‍ killed, and particularly people who weren’t involved and particularly children, that’s a ⁣real concern. I say that from a community and a family which lost loved ones in the course of ⁢all of this.”

The Road to ⁤a United Ireland

Looking beyond the past, Adams⁣ stressed the importance‍ of⁤ focusing on⁢ the future and the prospect⁣ of a referendum on ⁤a united Ireland. He⁣ asserted that such a vote is certain, despite ⁢current opposition from the Irish and British⁣ governments, as well as unionists.

“one⁤ thing we can say wiht certainty is there is going to be a referendum on the⁣ future,the Irish Government doesn’t want it,the British Government doesn’t want it,unionists don’t want it but there is going to ⁢be the day ‍when people will vote for the future,” ⁢Adams⁤ declared.

He urged for ⁢proactive engagement in shaping the future Ireland, emphasizing the need ⁤to address practical concerns. “Our obligation, and for‍ everyone who is‍ concerned about the future, need to be part ⁢of the conversation well in advance of that vote.Whether it⁣ is about public services, health services, the economy, flags, emblems, ⁢taking ⁤all of those issues and trying to find solutions⁤ to them that allows⁣ everyone to ⁤be agreeable in the new Ireland.”

Adams expressed a strong conviction in the eventual ⁣realization of a united Ireland. “I do know that there will be a united Ireland so whether it happens the day after I die or a couple of years before⁢ then,” he said. While acknowledging the meaningful forces opposing this goal, he remained optimistic about achieving it through⁣ continued effort.

“It is not inevitable, the forces against it⁤ are quite strong, but‍ if we work at it. If we continue to do the⁣ sensible, intelligent⁣ things that we have been ⁣trying ‍to do, then – ‍although I would‍ love to live in a united Ireland – ⁣it matters little ⁣to me whether it happens after⁣ I die or before it. To be ⁣able to ‍say ⁢in my own heart to say, ‘I played a part in bringing⁣ that about’, that’ll do me.”

Adams’ remarks come ahead of his participation in a discussion at the⁢ Féile an Phobail arts event this‍ weekend, where he will join Mr. Walsh, ‍chaired by Sinn Féin Galway TD Mairead Farrell, at the⁣ Balmoral‍ Hotel in Belfast.