“a grave injustice to the whole aspect of truth..”

An Irish Times report headline claims, “McGuinness defends Gerry Adams over handling of sex abuse claims”. But as the BBC report makes clearer, that ‘defence’ was another attack on the media

“Quite clearly people are using it to affect Gerry Adams’ leadership of Sinn Fein,” Mr McGuinness said. “I think that Gerry Adams has made a massive contribution to what is clearly now one of the most important peace processes in the world today. “I think those who try to attack him on an issue that has enormous ramifications for his siblings and his family do a grave injustice to the whole aspect of truth which is vital and key and central in all of this.”

The BBC might want to check the timeline… In fact, Martin McGuinness hasn’t addressed any of the questions about Gerry Adams’ ‘handling’ of the allegations. Allegations which Martin McGuinness has now stated he was unaware of. And, as Brian Feeney suggested in yesterday’s Irish News

It’s bad enough that Gerry Adams’s explanation for his inaction since hearing about the allegations in 1987 is full of holes, but what matters is that in political terms Gerry Adams becomes the story.

As “Gary Eves” told Newton Emerson

Q: So you feel that more openness could help those affected?

A: I have been advised to refer all further questions on openness to my solicitor.

We are reader supported. Donate to keep Slugger lit!

For over 20 years, Slugger has been an independent place for debate and new ideas. We have published over 40,000 posts and over one and a half million comments on the site. Each month we have over 70,000 readers. All this we have accomplished with only volunteers we have never had any paid staff.

Slugger does not receive any funding, and we respect our readers, so we will never run intrusive ads or sponsored posts. Instead, we are reader-supported. Help us keep Slugger independent by becoming a friend of Slugger. While we run a tight ship and no one gets paid to write, we need money to help us cover our costs.

If you like what we do, we are asking you to consider giving a monthly donation of any amount, or you can give a one-off donation. Any amount is appreciated.