SF suspends councillor accused of child abuse

SINN FÉIN has suspended a Northern borough councillor following allegations that she physically and sexually abused children.

Although the party has claimed it suspended the councillor some months ago, the public admission only followed disclosures of the child abuse allegations at the weekend.

The woman is well known in republican circles and was married to one of the most powerful figures in the Belfast IRA of the 1970s and ’80s.

The former Provo commander died three years ago. Both figures were closely aligned to Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams who the alleged victim claims was informed about the abuse, but did not inform the authorities or social services.

However, Sinn Féin yesterday strongly disputed that Mr Adams had acted inappropriately and threatened to sue the Sunday Tribune newspaper, which had not only carried an interview with the suspended member’s alleged abuse victim but also with another woman who claims she was repeatedly raped at the age of 16 by a prominent Provisional IRA member.

The statement, released to a Northern TV station said; “Gerry Adams and the party refute absolutely any allegation of covering up instances of abuse.

“Our position on these matters is crystal clear. At all times the welfare of children is paramount. The people who should investigate allegations of abuse are the statutory authorities charged with this task – the PSNI/gardaí and the social services.”

On the woman recently suspended it added: “This suspension was activated after the PSNI commenced an investigation into an allegation of historic abuse.”