From soldier to statesman, Gerry Adams made his mark
By: Ed Farnan | Published Monday, April 23, 2012, 12:00 PM | Updated Monday, April 23, 2012, 12:00 PM
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| Gerry Adams |
To millions of people the world over, Gerry Adams is the essential, unwavering face of struggle for a free and united Ireland. Jailed repeatedly for his beliefs and subjected to intimidation tactics, he also survived being gravely wounded when his car was riddled with bullets in an assassination attempt His story has inspired countless books and his character has been portrayed in a number of films. In a land of tales and legends, his will be told for countless generations.
I had an opportunity to interview Gerry on a range of topics. He is well versed and so intertwined in the rich tangled skein of Irish and world history, there really isn't much we couldn't have a conversation on. From the 60's and 70's worldwide freedom movements, which saw the beginning of the end of apartheid in South Africa, to Americas internal struggles against racism and an unpopular war in Vietnam, our conversation touched on these and many other issues.
As our conversation began after the hellos, there really wasn't any hesitation, we jumped right into the interview. Gerry told me to "fire away" with my questions, so I did.
I had some questions on various topics starting from the days of World War 2, to current problems and their solutions. Gerry shared his vision for a united Republic of Ireland and how far that struggle has come. I will be writing excerpts from this interview in the coming days and weeks, this is an introduction to that conversation we shared.
Right off the bat we jumped into a firestorm of controversy here in the US and in Ireland, regarding the legal tug of war for possession of the Boston college tapes. The war is being waged in US courts between the right of privileged/protected information and the governments intrusion into that right. Boston College and the Obama Justice Department are slugging it out in court over this.
These tapes were part of a dialogue between seven members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) & the college itself who was doing an oral history of the struggle during violent times in Ireland, known as "The Troubles". Boston College recorded combatants from both sides in Northern Ireland, a conflict between the British Protestant majority and Irish Catholic minority. These tapes were made under an agreement of protection that they would not be made public until all participants died.
Boston College is fighting the order for them to release these tapes. But under terms of a treaty, U.S. officials want possession of these tapes in order to share those interviews with Northern Ireland police investigating a 1972 homicide.
I asked Gerry if he had any idea why the pressure was being brought to bear on Boston College after all of these years by the Obama Justice Dept. Gerry said "I have no comment on any of it, as it was something between those interviewed and the College itself....whatever is on those tapes" As far as motivations behind the investigation, he surmised " it was some factions of the anti republican people trying to resurrect old wounds".
To me that was fair enough as I think many involved in all of this want to put the tragedies behind us and move on. Gerry was instrumental in helping to steer the longstanding bloody conflict, into a direction where the guns (Armalites) and bombs were put aside, to be replaced by talk, negotiation and votes. I lauded him for his efforts, however he refers to his role as "only being a part of a great collective that has brought seismic change to the Island of Ireland".
But the seismic change which Ireland is going through is not without growing pains and there are still wounds that need to heal. In that vein I asked Gerry about the recent pardon of the 5,000 Irish Army "deserters" that left their posts to fight with the British against the Nazis in World War II.
In a tone that was to be repeated throughout our interview, Gerry said "that in these enlightened times, why not pardon the men and take the stigma off of their families?" This occurred 70 years ago," a general pardon signals a general healing for the Irish people and will mean closure to the issue. Besides, many other Irish went off to fight against the Nazis and many hundreds of thousands died in that cataclysmic war. But there were strong feelings at the time and some factions in Ireland supported the fascists, so bitter feelings brewed in some corners".
We next talked about Gerry's participation in the peace process, his interaction with the United States and the help received from the Clinton administration. He has profound feelings of gratitude for that help.
But he also was quite moved when he met one of the linchpins of the American civil rights movement, it was a momentous occasion for him and provided a bond that held fast over time, stretching across the Atlantic Ocean. These topics we will cover in the next installment.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.JaJane | Oct 01, 2012, 01:27 AM EDT
The IRA members took an oath. A Vow of Silence, Forever. Period. None should talk, ever.
STEVENSTAR | Apr 23, 2012, 07:15 PM EDT
FROM SOLDIER TO LOW LIFE... YOU WOULD NEVER GET THIS IN AN IRISH NEWSPAPER IN IRELAND WHERE MOST IRISH PEOPLE HATE THE SIGHT OF THE LOW LIFE ADAMS .. I REALLY THINK ITS ABOUT TIME US IRISH SPOKE UP TO THESE AMERICAN NUT JOBS WHO TRY TO STEAL OUR IDENTITY AND CALL THEMSELVES IRISH AMERICANS AND SUPPORT LOW LIFE MURDERS LIKE ADAMS ... MY COUNTRY WHERE I LIVE HAS MOVED ON AND THESE IDOTS DO NOTHING BUT TRY AND HOLD US BACK ..... AMERICANS SHOULD BE MADE KEEP OUT OF IRISH AFFAIRS AND MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS...
citizen69 | Mar 14, 2012, 03:18 PM EDT
@IrelandNorth: "If Ireland could accomodate 1m lowland-Scot planters, it can accomodate 60m Irish-Americans."...erm, good maths there! By the way, where are you getting the 60 million figure from? There are 40 million Irish-Americans and 20 million of those are actually really of Scottish origin (Scots-Irish)
IrelandNorth | Mar 14, 2012, 09:12 AM EDT
The population of Ireland before the Famine was c. 8m. If Ireland could accomodate 1m lowland-Scot planters, it can accomodate 60m Irish-Americans. It's strictly a case of time-sharing. c60m x 365 = ? Irish-Americans! Ireland is your birth right. Reclaim your heritage and ignore the WASP-ish propaganda.
FallsRNat | Mar 13, 2012, 06:12 PM EDT
the brits will never condemn Adams, funny how they were just there when John Gregg launched his murderous assault, but Gezza has always had shadowy figures looking after his wellbeing, there were at least 2 moles in the Derry brigade, 3 in Belfast, 1 in the border area, 1 was even killed at Loughall.
GeorgeDillon | Mar 13, 2012, 05:09 PM EDT
Farnan: You've written a lot of dumb articles, but this is the stupidest yet.
BrendanDunphy | Mar 13, 2012, 04:09 PM EDT
citizen69 ... we agree again. The Irish (my grandparents included) contributed immensely to the growth of America, and we are eternally grateful to them. And to the Italians, the Poles and the Germans, etc., that immigrated here as well.
citizen69 | Mar 13, 2012, 01:24 PM EDT
BrendanDunphy... It's all a matter of scale really. A nation of a few hundred million can absorb a couple million much more easily than the other way around. But surely it was beneficial to both sides? The people of Ireland helped make America what it is today, from the Scots-Irish in colonial days to the Gaelic Irish in famine era. Besides Britain opened it's doors to many deprived Irish during the famine also, particularly Glasgow, Liverpool & Manchester. Maybe Israel could take in a few of you guys. They owe you a favour or two! ;-)
BrendanDunphy | Mar 13, 2012, 12:27 PM EDT
Citizen69 ... we agree on something. I have no doubt that Ireland would not open their arms to Irish-Americans. Unlike how America opened up her arms to so many deprived Irish during the famine, after the famine and even today with the demise of the celtic tiger. The word "ungrateful" comes to mind. The Land of a thousand welcomes?! My arse.
Towngate | Mar 13, 2012, 08:55 AM EDT
Shame that history will show that his enduring Mark will me a Fresh Entry Wound!
seamus60 | Mar 12, 2012, 08:10 PM EDT
Brendan. Recent photos of Gerry and Martin cosying up to the Isreali ambassador in Stornmont whilst negoiating a trade delegation will hardly instill faith to the people of Palistine. It didn`t go down too well either with the people from various groups protesting on the Ambassadors visit, at the front gates as inside they indulged in a tea party
seamus60 | Mar 12, 2012, 08:02 PM EDT
Pilib04. Your mention of Bodenstown in 83 is symbolic to a lot of Derry republican activists at the time. Not for Gerrys great speech, but for the fact that the Derry Brigade of the Provisionals done the colour party. One of the last times many of these soldiers were together in the comfort of freedom as among them was the now infamous Raymond Gilmore (supergrass) who as with at least 4 other supergrass`s implicated bothe Martin Mc Guiness and Gerry Adams in Army activity. Hundreds ended up getting thousands of years in prison as a result. Yet neither Gerry or Martin were ever even arrested. That was way before the brits knew of his peado brother yet they seen fit not to act against him.
sirpeter | Mar 12, 2012, 07:26 PM EDT
RedBranch.No need to ask IC.lol That happens from time to time.I don't think either side was ready for a meaningful peace process at that stage.I know it might sound bad but the fact is NI didn't suffer enough by 1974.There was still an air that the IRA could be beaten by force and the British could be removed by force.The GFA was a much more professional affair by both sides.The IRA wanted real change not peace.The Unionist's wanted peace but no real change.After 25 years of getting nowhere.People were ready on both sides.Gerry was part of a 300 year old conflict,but in my opinion he played a big part in ending it along with Unionists too.
citizen69 | Mar 12, 2012, 04:01 PM EDT
BrendanDunphy... If such a thing ever happened (in an alternative universe) What makes you think Ireland would take in 40million Irish-Americans? We're a bit squeezed for room over here! America has an empire in all but name. over 40 countries worldwide have a U.S. military presence. America exerts control over large parts of the world through militarism and economics. They have interfered in many governments, they have bankrolled uprisings and installed puppet regimes to do their bidding, mostly to the benefit of huge American corporations. So Americans aren't really in any position to talk about Israel or Britain. Besides, the people of the part of Ireland you are talking about are quite happy to stay within the UK, and that includes most Catholics as well. There is no oppression there, it's a free & democratic society, there is more employment than in the Republic, lower cost of living and less tax... and the people have the free will to opt into a United Ireland if they so choose.
FallsRNat | Mar 12, 2012, 03:52 PM EDT
Israel's biggest supporter condoning the building of houses in disputed land, biggest contributor of weapons, subsidies, cash - the US say no more.
BrendanDunphy | Mar 12, 2012, 03:12 PM EDT
citizen69 ... I'm okay with that too actually. But by that perspective, I am Irish then, so prepare yerselves (Eire) for an influx of Irish-Americans! But, aside from the 1700s and the 50 states, name one single country that America has "invaded" and then declared it as their own. We're not the imperialists that you think we are. Japan, Germany, France, Vietnam, Iraq, etc., etc., those lands all still belong to their people. Unlike Israel, who continues to build their settlements on another's land. And for the record, I've been against most (not all) of our wars, so no need to take us down that path on which we probably already agree. England out, Israel out. Peace.
citizen69 | Mar 12, 2012, 02:54 PM EDT
BrendanDunphy... You left off one important act of giving in your little to-do list... How about giving America back to the Americans?? You know, the original natives that your fellow white 'Americans' decimated almost to the point of extinction? Driven off their lands, discriminated against, slaughtered. And your military don't seem to be doing much better abroad either. Where do you stand on that one my friend?
RedBranch | Mar 12, 2012, 01:10 PM EDT
@Sirpeter, the first post for today Mar.12 (re: summer of '73)is not my post; my name may be on it but its not mine, ask IC! However I don't remember Mr. Adams walking the streets in 74 saying 'Lads, lads, come on now lets work this one out; sure a bit of d'Hondt system and we'll be flying...'
BrendanDunphy | Mar 12, 2012, 12:40 PM EDT
citizen69 ... I am an American and am well aware that Sinn Fein is a supporter of Palestine. As a matter of fact, I am a supporter as well. If the USA ends their blind one-way support if Israel, these factions you reference become a bit less anti-American. Give Ireland back to the Irish. Give Palestine back to the Palestinians.
sirpeter | Mar 12, 2012, 12:38 PM EDT
@seamus60.I said war is a dirty business.The hint that I'm not gullible is in that statement.The root cause of all NI conflict was British Imperialism.The root cause of "the troubles" was Unionist political domination coupled with active Catholic discrimination.That was the bedrock of injustice that led to violence on both sides.The tit for tat retaliations by both sides is just a symptom of the root causes.I think NI is moving on slowly from it's past.Partition has failed economically for NI and it's people still a failure because it is unjust to partition a country for the benefit of a minority.Also as a person living in the South of Ireland.NI was an embarrassment just like that shower in Dublin who messed up the Irish economy recently.We know who is to blame and what portion each side should be man enough to take responsibility for the problems past and present on this island.The rest is just smoke and mirrors.
pilib04 | Mar 12, 2012, 11:43 AM EDT
I have fond memories of meeting Gerry Adams on a number of occasions. I find him to be quite the charmer. Truly a successor to St. Patrick and certainly our best hope of driving out the snakes (and Bankers) from Ireland. Significant to this article, I met him when he met Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in (circa) 2002. I also had the opportunity to meet Gerry and hear him speak at the Wolfe Tone-Bodenstown commemoration in '83 (unseasonably warm sunny day in June). On a number of other occasions I had the grand opportunity to meet and speak with our Sinn Fein leader. Gerry Adams enables us to have the confidence in the Good Friday Agreement and it's implementation in Northern Ireland. Adams brought us along when no one could have foretold that Sinn Fein would sit on policing boards and manage the affairs of Northern Ireland. Martin McGuinness (God love him) also played an equal role in Sinn Fein's peace initiative, but the article I am responding to was about Gerry. I am just happy to have met Gerry and blessed by his wit, charm, humour and most of all his Gaelic speech.
sirpeter | Mar 12, 2012, 10:27 AM EDT
RedBranch.Is this the same Belfast Agreement’number one that caused Unionist opposition,violence and a loyalist general strike bringing NI to a standstill causing the collapse of the Agreement in May 1974?I can see how attractive the life's of Adams & McGuinness have been over the last 40 years.Been shot and on the run and risking your life everyday is no sacrifice at all.Everyone sacrificed something in NI during those times.I think it's about time you were honest with yourself because you're not fooling anyone.
BrendanDunphy | Mar 12, 2012, 07:50 AM EDT
Adams is still leading the fight, but now with pens and politics instead of guns and grenades. Stay the course Gerry, we're almost there.
IrelandNorth | Mar 12, 2012, 07:14 AM EDT
Deputy Gearoid MacAdhmh/Gerry Adams is one of a minority of authentic political voices in opposition to the a majority of mild colonial boys in Leinster House. In a partitionist parliament populated largely by Me-Feiners (i.e. radical individulalists), his participation is a boon.
seamus60 | Mar 12, 2012, 06:32 AM EDT
sirpeter. My little secrets come with pride and honor. Had one of them been treason, much more worrying. But with so many gulible people like yourself towing the party line and the press reluctant to persue discrepancies it will take a little longer for total exposure. Time is something a lot of republicans have spent as cannonfauder. But won`t forget. Belt tightening is natural to most republicans, always has been.
RedBranch | Mar 12, 2012, 06:13 AM EDT
They didn't die needlessly; they died to put Adams & McGuinness centre stage, taking the peace plaudits! Thanks for the sacrifice guys....
RedBranch | Mar 12, 2012, 02:05 AM EDT
SirPeter “Without Adams there would be no peace process. Peace in NI has saved a lot of life's” Adams and Co had ample opportunity for ‘peace’ way back in the summer of 73, when Willie Whitelaw offered them the ‘Belfast Agreement’ number one but they knocked it back and thousands more died needlessly, including some very courageous men who put republican principles before political expediency.
sirpeter | Mar 11, 2012, 10:13 PM EDT
seamus60.Told ya you had dirty little secrets.But such is war Seamus.It's a dirty business isn't it?There will be a UI because basically NI it's not economical viable.There will be a lot of belt tightening in the EU over the coming years.Having over 60% of the NI workforce in the public sector is just not on.Youse boys are going to have to do a bit of work sometime.
seamus60 | Mar 11, 2012, 04:42 PM EDT
Joe. its probally very confusing to most, how someone could be dishing out Army orders without ever being in an Army. How could so many people end up dead or in prison as a result of following orders that apperantely no one gave But you had to be there.
joebloggs | Mar 11, 2012, 04:35 PM EDT
I thought he always denied being in the IRA
seamus60 | Mar 11, 2012, 04:20 PM EDT
Redbranch. All this unbelieveable garbage of people talking about a UI.When in reality all i have seen recently is promotion of Ireland rejoining the commonwealth. Nothing to worry about had it only been loyalists from the occupied 6. As for the pension thing i seriously doubt ANY decent soul with a drop of Irish republican blood in their veins would let the cash touch their palms. But why would the decision makers ever decide this offer when they have so many other less costly acts at hand, to cortail those who have given the most. The brits have bought the peace so we have yet again Ruling by Fooling.
RedBranch | Mar 11, 2012, 04:03 PM EDT
Right on Seamus and I'm guessing you're not entitled to the Northern Bank pension plan payments. Oh and Ed another question for Mr. Adams, one always on the minds of those on the right: How much out of each dollar hard earned by a citizen of the state should go to the govt.? As a percantage Mr. Adams please.
seamus60 | Mar 11, 2012, 03:29 PM EDT
sirpeter. My dirty little secrets as you call them are a result of following orders from Gerry and Co. MONSOONMAN- Where are all these people calling for a UI ? Gerry Adams only rolls it out these days when under pressure, just thge same as he bothers to mention issues such as Marian price and others INTERNED in Ireland. Though he won`t use that specific term for fear the reality that the brits still say what goes. The brits have the veto,articles 2&3 are gone, on the runs being interned and ex-combatants getting sucker punched at will through criminal licence revokation. The later 2 evermore relevant to individuals who are prepared to show the PRM`s stupidity as deal sealers, let alone call it plain down right TREASON.
Monsoonman | Mar 11, 2012, 12:39 PM EDT
Citizen69 The enemy of my enemy is my friend. This is a Chinese military treatise that was written by Sun Tzu in the 6th century BC. Desperate times called for desperate measures...As you can see there are now growing calls for a vote by the people for a united Ireland, this accomplished w/o 1 bullet fired or 1 bomb detonated.
citizen69 | Mar 11, 2012, 07:04 AM EDT
Ed, do you think Adams has any respect for America at all beyond the fund raising ability of gullible Irish-Americans?? Yo do know that Sinn Fein, of which he is the leader, sit with the extreme far left block of the European parliament among Europe's Communist parties? OR that the left-wing extremists the Provisional IRA had strong links with, the PLO, Hammas, FARC and other left-wing anti-American terrorist groups? Of course they will never mention any of this while in America using fools like you.
citizen69 | Mar 11, 2012, 06:49 AM EDT
To many in Ireland Gerry Adams is the face of a Marxist terrorist group responsible for many atrocities on innocent people. Whose idea of community "justice" is for hooded henchmen to drag someone up a dark alley and put bullets through their knees (if they're lucky)on the mere allegation of a crime. The man's a pathological liar and knows nothing about justice or honour.
sirpeter | Mar 10, 2012, 11:52 PM EST
No one is as pure as the driven snow.Without Adams there would be no peace process.Peace in NI has saved a lot of life's.Murder,Rape,Robbery,Incest,Pedophilia,War ect ect is all part of the human condition.Yes!! You reading my comment is all that you could do giving the right circumstances.Don't lie to yourself.If you don't think you wouldn't do these things.You just don't know yourself.@seamus60 grow up.So what little disgusting things are you hiding?As God is my witness I know you are.What stopped you acting on all those bad thoughts?Just your circumstances.That is all.
seamus60 | Mar 10, 2012, 06:23 PM EST
Edin you give great credit to a man for his peacemaking abilities, what credit is there in accepting less than what was on offer 30 years and thousands of lives earlier ? John Hume brought peace, Adams just stopped making war when he had most to gain. Not so for the foot soldiers though. Monsoonman, pooping on a much greater story ? What great story, Gerrys ? the one riddled with lie after lie. Doesn`t say much either for your moral compass, since when has anyone with such bad judgement as to allow so many Irish children in harms way the wisdom to make other serious decisions as to the health of our nation that any worthy statesman should be capable of. He left West Belfast with its people having nothing to show for all his great representation. Rebelforce, i sincerely hope you weren`t having a cheap shot about the wife beating as thats exactly what Gerry`brother always done to his wife in order she would leave the family home allowing him to have his dirty disgusting way with his young daughter.
EdinCali | Mar 10, 2012, 05:10 PM EST
This is the 1st in upcoming excerpts, there will be direct quotes coming up. GA evokes strong feelings pro/con, but you can't deny he has been a pivotal figure. He steered conflict from battlefield to peace table and stopped much bloodshed.
seanieNYC | Mar 10, 2012, 03:26 PM EST
What a great interview. Uncluttered by any actual quotes.
RedBranch | Mar 10, 2012, 03:04 PM EST
Oh dear Ed and there I was thinking you were a smart, insightful person with well argued pieces from right of centre. Now I see you are all but starry-eyed in the presence of Mr. Adams 'Soldier to Statesman' indeed. You took the bait hook, line and sinker. I don't think there is any way back for you. Three questions for Mr. Adams next time you meet him. 1. As an able bodied and intelligent young man why didn't he join the IRA when his 'country' needed him? 2. Why is SF policy so different in the North than in the South on say, hospital closures? 3. He's been president of SF since about the Carter administration, what does he feel is the proper timeframe to be leading a party in a democracy?
Monsoonman | Mar 10, 2012, 02:05 PM EST
What a bunch of sea gulls, pooping on a story that is far greater than this mans errant/evil Brother. Many great people throughout history had dark parts to them, yet they are overshadowed by a greater story. He who is among you without sin, cast the first stone....waiting. In the meantime regale us with yr tales of accomplishment while you stood in the arena of life, when you weren't sitting in the bleacher section.
seamus60 | Mar 10, 2012, 12:16 PM EST
The youth workers in Clonard have clearly stated that at no time had Gerry ever informed them of any concerns with his brother working with children, otherwise they would have intervened, he hasn`t called them liars..... Gerrys brother then moved to Donegal for a stint before moving to Dundalk where yet again he worked with children and stood for nomination within SF aided with an endorsement from Gerry himself. Since denied by Gerry but again totally discredited for the lie that it was by photograph and other means. He (Gerrys peado brother) actually wrote a very good article that appeared in a SF publication claiming that he had uncovered a peadophile ring operating from Donegal down to Dundalk and further. Are we to believe Gerry never read his brothers article.
seamus60 | Mar 10, 2012, 11:52 AM EST
Rebelforce you should read up on certain subjects before you comment on them as it will diminish the chances of you sounding like a fool who believes everything the bearded one says. Gerry has already admitted he sheltered a peadophile. He has denied aiding him within the party, only to be totally discredited through timelines and documentation. He has claimed to have informed the relevant authorities as to his brothers filthy habits in relation to his job working with children in Gerrys own constituency of W/Belfast (long after Gerry began the sheltering exercise that others were being shot for) His dirty old dad also a peadophile contaminates a republican plot in Milltown cemetary because gerry kept that a secret as well, at least until he had to look a victim himself in order to gain the sympathy vote.
wizardofoz | Mar 10, 2012, 10:07 AM EST
Farnan, you’re a ‘wimp’ a plastic paddy I’ll wager!
Rebelforce | Mar 10, 2012, 10:02 AM EST
For years the trolls were trying to discredit Gerry Adams by calling him a "terrorist". Now that he is recognized and admired as an architect of the Good Friday Agreement and leader of the largest and fastest growing All-Ireland party they are accusing him of "sheltering" pedophiles. LOL Next up, they'll be accusing Adams of being a wife-beater.
wizardofoz | Mar 10, 2012, 09:58 AM EST
Six times I have attempted to post a constructive critique of this nonsense by Narnan, and each time it has been banned. Proof positive fearful cowards on this site edit out all criticism they are afraid to answer. If free unbiased, sober debate is the call of this forum, why is polite conjecture banned?
wizardofoz | Mar 10, 2012, 09:36 AM EST
"comment has been sent" Yes. Five time but never posted. What's Farnan afraid of?
wizardofoz | Mar 10, 2012, 08:49 AM EST
Hi seamus. I responded to this clown (twice) in much the same vane as you but pointed out that the hairy-one was, in his own words, NEVER a ‘soldier’ or a member of the IRA or the PIRA. The pedophile brother not withstanding but on both occasions my post was ignored. I expect this one will be too! LOL….
seamus60 | Mar 10, 2012, 06:32 AM EST
Doubt you asked him about the issue of him sheltering a brother peadophile for decades whilst others, to the very point of allowing him to work with children.Which comes second to him allowing his brother to stand for election in the party.