McDonald backs Adams over McConville remark

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald has denied Gerry Adams was being “flippant” when he described the murder of mother of 10 Jean McConville as something that happens in war.

Mr Adams has always denied involvement in the notorious 1972 abduction and murder of Ms McConville.

Backing the Sinn Féin leader, Ms McDonald said he was not being “flippant”, adding: “It is absolutely true to say that awful things happen in conflict situations.

“The McConville family are testament to that and many other families are testament to that as well.

“The last thing that any of us want to do is to compound the hurt of the McConville family or any other family.

“What happened to Jean McConville was utterly wrong. The intention is in no way to cause hurt, or any level of distress.”

On CBS’s 60 Minutes, which aired last night, Scott Pelley asked Mr Adams: “How do you orphan 10 children? What kind of depravity is that?”

Mr Adams replied: “That’s what happens in wars. That’s not to minimise it. That’s what American soldiers do, British soldiers do, Irish Republican soldiers do. That’s what happens in every single conflict.”

Members of the McConville family have rounded on Mr Adams’ comments.

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