Mick Clifford: Gerry Adams case shows how Sinn Féin still differs from other political parties

The plaintiffs in the Gerry Adams case whose lives, along with thousands of others, were simply collateral damage to the cause are mere footnotes in a wider narrative

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams (left) outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London on Thursday. He was as steady as ever in the witness stand. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

The Gerry Adams civil case that collapsed on Friday shone a light on the past and another on the present.

On a number of occasions during the hearing, John Finucane stood outside the Royal Courts of Justice building in London commenting on the plaintiffs' case. He was one of a clutch of Sinn Féin representatives who did so.