IRISH REPUBLICAN NEWS:

Posted by Jim on March 20, 2026

Adams wins as civil case is halted early

A civil case in London seeking to hold Gerry Adams personally responsible for three IRA attacks in England has ended in victory for the former Sinn Féin President.

The case, in which Mr Adams was sued for ‘vindicatory’ damages of £1, had become highly politicised and had taken on the character of a failed witch-hunt. He described its conclusion as “emphatic” and said it “should never have been brought”.

The proceedings lasted two weeks. Today, lawyers for the claimants confirmed that the claim against the former Sinn Féin president had been discontinued.

Throughout the hearing, the judge repeatedly signalled that the case was likely to be dismissed due to the significant delay in bringing it, in one instance more than 50 years later. There were also attempts over the course of the trial to smear Mr Adams’s role and reinterpret aspects of the conflict’s history. The claimants relied solely on hearsay evidence in support of their argument that he had directed the IRA’s armed campaign in England.

On Thursday, Mr Adams’s legal team argued that the case amounted to an abuse of the court system. This was followed today by the announcement that the proceedings had been brought to a sudden end.

In a statement, Mr Adams said he attended the trial “out of respect” for the claimants and to defend himself “against the smears and false accusations being levelled against me”.

He said: “I asserted the legitimacy of the Republican cause and the right of the people of Ireland to freedom and self-determination. I do so again.

“During my two days of evidence, I categorically rejected all of the claims being made.

“I am glad to have been one of those who helped bring an end to the conflict.

“We now have, through the Good Friday Agreement, a peaceful and democratic route to a new Ireland.

“That needs a renewed focus, especially by the Irish government.

“An Ireland that is respectful of all of its people and that is based on equality, tolerance and respect.

“I want to thank all of those who have expressed their solidarity with me and the Sinn Féin team which worked closely with me.

“I especially want to thank Colette and our family.

“Buiochas mór to my legal team for their exemplary work.”