Gerry Adams fails to quiz colleagues on murder claims

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said it is not his job to ask someone “did you do that” after confirming he has been given the names of two party members allegedly involved in the murder of a prison officer three decades ago.

The Louth TD was speaking at a public Sinn Féin election strategy event in Dublin yesterday.

Talking to reporters, Mr Adams said Austin Stack — whose father Brian, a prison officer in Portlaoise, was shot dead at a boxing bout 33 years ago — gave him the names of two party members the family believes were involved in the murder during one of a number of meetings with the Sinn Féin leader.

However, Mr Adams said the details are simply “allegations”: “It’s up to the gardaí. He did give me names but these are allegations. It’s not my job to go around and ask ‘did you do that, did you do that’.”

The case has returned to public prominence due to Mr Stack’s family’s belief full attempts are not being made to find those responsible.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has labelled the “concerned citizen” who challenged her over the party’s tax policies last Friday as having “some brass neck” after learning he is a senior hedge fund manager.

The Dublin Central TD hit out at Fergus Crawford, the CEO of the Irish branch of Swiss investment firm Sarasin and brother of ex-Fine Gael TD Seymour Crawford, during the same event yesterday: “The bankers, developers, have regrouped, and they are now sufficiently emboldened to challenge people like me on the streets of Dublin on the basis of, ironically, our ability to protect ordinary people.

“The man is of course entitled to his view. But I think it took brass neck to come and attempt to claim their concern was for working people.”