Adams challenged over Disappeared information plea

Gerry Adams was today challenged to have face-to-face talks with republicans allegedly involved in the murders and secret burials of the so-called Disappeared.

This followed a new appeal by the Sinn Féin president in a bid to locate the remains of IRA victims who went missing, some over 30 years ago.

Mr Adams said he expected the Irish and British governments to begin work this spring based on recommendations on how to recover the bodies based on a detailed report by a forensic expert whose services had been retained as part of the search process.

The West Belfast MP said in a statement: “It is vitally important that those charged with this difficult task have all the information possible to make their efforts a success.

"While I am mindful not to raise expectations by the families, I know that the IRA has met with the forensic expert and that each site has been visited by the expert and the IRA, including individuals with primary knowledge.

“However, if there is any other information available which might help I am appealing for those with it to now bring it forward. This is particularly the case in respect of the disappearance of Charlie Armstrong, whose family I have met a number of times.”

The IRA has always denied any involvement in the disappearance of Mr Armstrong, 55, a father of five who vanished in August 1981 after leaving his home in Crossmaglen to drive a pensioner to Mass.

A brother of one of the Disappeared killed by the Provisionals claimed people with knowledge of what happened to the victims had ignored previous appeals from the Sinn Féin leader.

Oliver McVeigh said: “Obviously his flock are not listening to him. Why?

“With his contacts he should be able to find out who was involved and personally appeal to them, not issue another statement.”

Columba McVeigh, 17, from Donaghmore, Dungannon, was kidnapped and killed by the Provisionals in 1975.

A two-week excavation of bogland was carried out near Emyvale, Co Monaghan in 2003. He is among five of the Disappeared whose remains have yet to be found. His elderly mother Vera had talks in November with DUP leader Ian Paisley.

Oliver McVeigh added: “Gerry Adams should be fit to find out who was involved and meet them face to face. We don’t care if it’s in secret because the right people are not coming forward with the information which is needed.”