State Papers: Sinn Féin needed to attract fewer ‘headbangers’ to party, said Gerry Adams

The comments made by former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams as the IRA and other paramilitary groups were coming under pressure to decommission their weapons, are revealed in newly released State papers from the National Archives. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, admitted in 2001 that his party would need to stop attracting “headbangers” and move away from any association of violence.

The comments which the republican leader made as the IRA and other paramilitary groups were coming under pressure to decommission their weapons are revealed in newly released State papers from the National Archives.