Gerry Adams denies IRA involvement in bombings as he testifies in London civil trial Gerry Adams, the former Sinn Féin leader, has testified in a London civil trial, denying any role or rank within the IRA and asserting he had no involvement in the bombings that injured three claimants. The case, heard at the High Court, centers on whether Adams is personally liable for damages stemming from explosions in London and Manchester. Adams, 77, arrived at court on Tuesday wearing a green tie and a sprig of shamrock for St Patrick’s Day, and began his testimony by wishing the courtroom a “very happy St Patrick’s Day.” The trial, now in its sixth day, involves claims by John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, and Jonathan Ganesh and Barry Laycock, who were injured in the 1996 Docklands and Arndale Shopping Centre attacks. The claimants are seeking £1 each in “vindicatory” damages, arguing Adams’ alleged leadership within the IRA makes him culpable for the bombings. Adams’ legal team has countered that the case relies on “an assortment of hearsay” and is barred by a 1980 statute of limitations, which sets a three-year deadline for such claims. In a 20-page witness statement, Adams stated he was never a member of the IRA or its army council and held no rank within the organization. He described his political work from the late 1960s as focused on ending the Northern Ireland conflict, emphasizing his commitment to the peace process and Irish unity. Adams acknowledged the IRA’s past actions but rejected the idea that he supported all of them, stating, “these were my neighbours” and expressing relief that the organization has “left the stage.#high_court #gerry_adams #sinn_fein #old_bailey_bombing #docklands_attack
