Adams willing to speak to PSNI about McConville murder

Sinn Féin president repeats he was not involved in 1972 killing

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has instructed his solicitor to contact the PSNI to say he is available to speak to them about the murder of Jean McConville – if police want to speak to him.

Mr Adams issued a statement yesterday responding to what he said was media speculation the PSNI may be interested in speaking to him about the 1972 abduction and murder of Ms McConville.

Mr Adams repeated he was not involved in her murder. “I can understand the McConville family’s anger and hurt given what they have been through and given what some anti-peace process former republican activists have been alleging,” he said.

“However, let me repeat. What happened to Jean McConville was a terrible injustice. I was not involved in any part of it.”

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Mr Adams said Sinn Féin was committed to trying to address the issue of the past. “We have argued for an independent, international, truth recovery process. However, if this cannot be agreed then we are seeking the implementation of the Haass compromise proposals. These include the right of families to choose whether to pursue legal action or to seek maximum truth recovery.”

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times