Gerry Adams: Trial by media and witch-hunt.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has described claims that he covered up for his convicted paedophile brother as “patently cynical and untrue” and says he’s become the victim of a witch-hunt.

“I am a public figure and subject to scrutiny and that is fair enough. But the despicable manner in which this issue is being dealt with by the DUP and others, and by some cynical elements of the media, has become trial by media and a witch-hunt,” the SF president said.

Northern Ireland’s police ombudsman is to formally investigate if detectives did not properly examine whether Gerry Adams covered up the crimes of his sex abuser brother, Liam.

The investigation was launched after senior members of the DUP lodged an official complaint about the matter.

“For me this always been a family matter. It was quite rightly brought to the RUC and Social Services in 1987.

All of this has been hugely testing and challenging for me and for my clan. Only those who have had to go through this can appreciate the trauma it has caused. For my part I have committed no offence,” Gerry Adams said.

He pointed out that during his brother’s trial he appeared as a witness for the prosecution and answered all of the questions put to him.

Earlier this month Liam Adams was found guilty of ten counts of child sex abuse against his daughter, Áine, between Mar 1977 and 1983 when she was between four and nine years old.

Gerry Adams said law agencies in the North are now investigating or reviewing aspects of the case, mostly in respect of his evidence.

“This is unprecedented. I think in the interests of fairness that those sections of the media and those politicians who have been involved in a quite despicable campaign in recent days should allow these agencies to complete their work,” Mr Adams said.

He added that he made statements in support of his niece and gave evidence in court against his brother.

“I reject unconditionally the charge that I committed any offence. I did my best and continue to do my best to deal with this issue,” he said.