Sinn Féin to benefit from arrest of Adams

Sinn Féin leaders claim that the timing of Gerry Adams’s arrest was politically motivated, and it probably was, but the timing could not have been more favourable to that party. The main political beneficiary of Adams’ arrest is Sinn Féin.

So whose political motivation are we talking about?

Adams attended a police interview by appointment and it is simply not credible that he didn’t anticipate being arrested when he presented himself for questioning. Police invariably arrest suspected people because arrested persons are cautioned and the evidence gathered in interviews is then admissible in court. Evidence from interviews conducted without caution is invariably rejected by the courts.

Given Sinn Féin’s renown for disciplined and carefully orchestrated methodology and that the timing was of Adams’ own choosing, it is difficult not to suspect that this was part of a carefully coordinated electioneering strategy by the party.

While the martyrdom of Gerry Adams seems to have worked in many quarters, it remains to be seen if the public at large will be as unsuspecting when they cast their votes, North and South.

Ronan Quinlan

Bothar tSlí Leathan

Baile Atha Cliath 15