Adams will be remembered as a tough negotiator but with a stain on his legacy

Bowing out as leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams’ denial of IRA involvement continues to anger many of his political contemporaries, but all acknowledge his skills in delivering a peace deal, writes Political Reporter Elaine Loughlin.

In 1972 a 23-year-old Republican activist being held under internment was flown on an RAF plane to London for a top secret meeting with the British Government.

Now, 46 years on, Gerry Adams — who remains a key player in the Republican movement while continuing to deny involvement in the IRA — will step down as Sinn Féin president.