Adams rejects allegations

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was yesterday speaking at the launch in west Belfast of the Integrated Services programme for Children and Young People.

In a statement afterward responding to the weekend allegations in the Sunday Tribune Mr. Adams said:

“The allegations and accusations against me are untrue.

"I find it hugely frustrating that some of the media outlets can say whatever they want and print whatever they want without any reference at all to the truth, accuracy or the rights of the individual in all of these matters.

"I resent absolutely the false allegations that are being made against me and against the party.”

Mr. Adams has warned against sections of the media treating the issue of child abuse issue in a tabloid way. “

Speaking at the event Mr. Adams thanked those who had offered their support and solidarity in recent times.

Mr. Adams said:

"I want to begin by thanking people for their kindness and generosity to me and my family during what has been a difficult time.

"I have been moved especially by people who have told me that they or their family are or were in exactly the same position as my clann.

"There is now more disclosure about child abuse, a taboo subject, in today’s society. That is a good thing for everyone.

"And even though the first words are hard to say, and to hear, in the long term an end to a culture of concealment will create an educated, informed society with proper and enlightened and competent protections for children, and processes for dealing with victims and persecuting perpetrators.

"The issue of child abuse effects all sectors of Irish society.

"No class or creed or section is immune from it.

"There is also a life beyond abuse.

"With proper therapeutic support, with love and understanding, victims can become survivors and go on to live happy and fulfilled lives.

"Our duty as a society is to enable and to empower them to do this.

"In the course of launching an initiative like this I would not normally deal with the issue of abuse. I would do so at other forums.

"Maybe that is part of the problem. These issues need to be intelligently discussed wherever it is appropriate. This requires a genuine public conversation about all the issues involved."