Adams’ language barrier turns Dáil words into stand-up

By allowing its leader to throw around words such as ‘terrorism’ in the Dáil, Sinn Féin is doing itself no favours, while the Government has promised actions not words, says Political Editor Paul O’Brien.

GERRY ADAMS has a curious sense of humour. During the Troubles, as the IRA killed 1,700 people and maimed many others, he was used to the organisation being labelled terrorists and subversives. Now, with the peace process concluded and Adams focusing on politics in the south, he seems to revel in throwing those words back at democratically elected governments.

The first significant example came during the election campaign, when Adams was discussing the universal social charge introduced by the Fianna Fáil-led government.