Criminality no place in our ranks, says Adams
Mr Adams told delegates and guests to the SF conference in Dublin, including the five sisters of murdered Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney there was no place for anyone involved in criminal activity in republicanism.
But he also insisted republicans would not be labelled criminals in a campaign against SF.
“Our detractors will say we have a particular view of what criminality is,” Mr Adams said.
“We have not. We know what a crime is both in the moral and legal sense, and our view is the same as the majority of people.
“We know that breaking the law is a crime but we refuse to criminalise those who break the law in pursuit of legitimate political objectives. Are we saying republicans can do no wrong? Of course not.
“We need to be as strong minded in facing up to wrong doing by republicans, as we are in opposing wrongdoing by anyone else.”
In what was a major coup for SF, the sisters of Robert McCartney took up an invitation from Mr Adams to witness his speech.
In recent weeks, the family has accused the IRA of shielding members who killed their brother in a bar in Belfast city centre on January 30 and of intimidating witnesses from going to the police.
During his speech which was televised live, Mr Adams paid tribute to Paula, Catherine, Gemma, Donna and Claire McCartney for attending the conference.
“They are here on my invitation because I wanted to demonstrate to Bridgeen, (Robert McCartney’s partner) and the entire McCartney family that we are on their side.”
The McCartney sisters received a standing ovation when they entered the hall before Mr Adams’s speech. Delegates rose to their feet and cheered them and the SF leadership team also applauded from the platform.
Mr Adams said he could not campaign as the leader of SF for the victims of British or loyalist paramilitary thuggery if he was not as clear and as committed to justice for the McCartneys.
“I have pledged them my support and the support of this party. I am calling on every member of this party to follow the lead I have given. Those responsible for the brutal killing of Robert McCartney should admit to what they did in a court of law.
“That is the only decent thing for them to do. Those with any information should come forward.”
Mr Adams also told the conference that while his party tried to resolve the policing vacuum in Northern Ireland, it could not be filled by so-called punishment beatings or shootings.
“They are counter productive. They should stop,” he insisted.
The SF president also launched attacks on the Government for trying to vilify the party but argued that while the peace process was in tatters, it could be rebuilt. He claimed the Rev Ian Paisley’s DUP had failed to prove they are willing to share power during last year’s failed bid to revive power sharing, but added: “Ian Paisley says he is willing to share power with us. Let us test him again. We know it will be a battle a day.”
