Gerry Adams Civil Case Collapses

Slugger had decided not to cover the civil case against Gerry Adams until a verdict was reached, where a post would be written summarising the trial in its entirety as well as the verdict and inviting comment both on the process and on the outcome.

That is not to be however as earlier today the civil case collapsed when the claimants withdrew from the case. The cause of the collapse, according to the Irish Times, lay in the fact that several times during the trial the Judge had “questioned whether the case against Adams was an abuse of process because a personal injuries claim was being used to challenge his wider role during the Troubles”.

Anne Studd, the barrister for the men, explained that as a result the claimants developed concerns “that a cost protection order imposed two years ago – which protected them from paying Adams’s costs, whatever the result – could now be at risk”. Had Adams prevailed in the civil case in other words, the claimants were concerned they would be liable for his substantial legal costs.

The ‘Belfast Telegraph‘ quotes from a statement delivered on behalf of the three men where they expressed their belief that in spite of the case coming to an abrupt end, the achieved something of meaning …

“For the first time, Mr Adams was brought before an English court and compelled to give evidence and face cross-examination on his alleged role. A substantial body of evidence concerning his alleged involvement in the PIRA has now been placed on the public record. That material has been widely reported on and, even if the court may not now do so, it will be available for judgment by history. Despite the case not proceeding to judgment, the claimants regard these proceedings as vindication of their position, and a clear and important achievement.”

Gerry Adams has welcomed the conclusion of the proceedings, as RTÉ reports

“I asserted the legitimacy of the Republican cause and the right of the people of Ireland to freedom and self-determination. I do so again. During my two days of evidence, I categorically rejected all of the claims being made. I am glad to have been one of those who helped bring an end to the conflict. We now have, through the Good Friday Agreement, a peaceful and democratic route to a new Ireland. That needs a renewed focus, especially by the Irish Government. An Ireland that is respectful of all of its people and that is based on equality, tolerance and respect.I want to thank all of those who have expressed their solidarity with me and the Sinn Fein team which worked closely with me.”

Slugger Team

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