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Gerry Adams calls on community to reject republican dissidents

By Brian Rowan
Friday, 16 January 2009

Gerry Adams

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Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has launched a scathing public attack on dissident republicans, accusing them of involvement in “unacceptable criminal actions” — including extortion and intimidation.

He called on the community to “reject these groups” and urged support for the PSNI “in ending criminality in our community”.

The Adams intervention will undoubtedly raise tensions between dissident and mainstream republicans.

He has linked the Continuity IRA to a specific incident in west Belfast earlier this week and also named those groups using the names Oglaigh na hEireann, the Real IRA and INLA.

The West Belfast MP said: “There has been an increase in criminal actions by a number of organised criminal gangs who claim to be republican organisations.

“The gangs involved are targeting innocent families, business people and in some instances other criminals, in particular drug dealers, demanding protection money.”

He said that on Wednesday the Continuity IRA destroyed a digger belonging to a contractor working on the Casement Park site in west Belfast.

“This attack took place after several threatening phone calls to the contractor and intimidatory behaviour by a number of individuals who threatened workers,” the Sinn Fein leader said.

“It is the latest in a long litany of similar actions by people claiming to represent this group (Continuity IRA). But it is not exclusive to it.

“Others are using the names Oglaigh na hEireann, the Real IRA or the INLA,” he continued.

“Their actions are not about furthering republican goals,” Mr Adams added.

“On the contrary they tarnish the name of Irish Republicanism and seek only to further the self interest of those involved.

“This behaviour is intolerable and it must end,” he said.

In the past Sinn Fein leaders have been warned by police of dissident plans to attack them.

Now the most prominent and public of republican leaders has accused those dissidents of involvement in major criminality.

“It includes protecting drug pushers by extorting money made through this reprehensible practice; it involves threatening business people and families in this community.

“I would appeal to anyone who is genuinely committed to republican aims and objectives and who values the legacy of all those who gave their lives during many years of struggle, to reject these groups.”

The Sinn Fein MP said he upholds the right of others “to dissent from the mainstream republican position and to oppose Sinn Fein strategy”, but he said there could be “no political tolerance for the actions I have highlighted today”.

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So Gerry wants the Republican community to “reject these groups” and urges support for the PSNI?

ha, good luck with that one Gerry!!!!

Posted by mickey | 19.01.09, 11:15 GMT

Is this Gerry Adams or Gerry Fitt, talking? i remember Gerry Ftt saying the same thing about the IRA.

Posted by no longer fooled republican | 19.01.09, 08:16 GMT

It must be nice for these politicians with all their houses in Spain and Portugal, to talk so much sanctimonious talk. While we in the Nationalists areas are being terrorised by thugs, Gerry and his motley crew dare say to take it on the chin. Gerry has to come out against those willing to do something to the thugs in our areas, because he has signed up with the RUC/PSNI (or whatever they call themselves, nowadays). Gerry should remember Gerry Fitt blabbering the same nonsense against the volunteers in the IRA as he is now mouthing. Perhaps, he needs to go somewhere sunny?

Posted by jm | 19.01.09, 07:58 GMT

Rather than admit that the Belfast Agreement is a sham that did nothing to further the goals of real republicans - a united Ireland - Adams talks tough of crime! He's abandoned republicanism and has turned into a shameless self-promoter. Shame on you Gerry!

Posted by Jane | 18.01.09, 15:15 GMT

? Joke ! Ha ! Ha !

Posted by David Baird | 17.01.09, 20:47 GMT

Let me get this straight Drug dealers are disidents or is this another gang of criminals because I do not know why people are standing for children being theathened. Where are the police, seating in their buildings drinking coffee. You have community police boards set up for your area. Where is that report of actions taken.
This seems all to disperate Gerry and before it was blamed on police not working witn community. And you know what happens when the authorize law and order does not work.
Andytown news
Children as young as 12 are in debt to West Belfast drug dealers.
And terrified parents are being forced to find the cash to settle the debts after threats were made against some youngsters.

This is your district Gerry? Then why isnt something being done to stop drug dealers. Why are normal people being forced to pay criminals selling drugs. The social fabric is unweaving Mr Adams

Posted by Talon Wise | 17.01.09, 16:46 GMT

It's about time Gerry.
I would never vote for SF in a million years but all credit to Gerry to finally saying what needs to be said. Once again his words needs to be matched by actions.

Posted by Rich | 16.01.09, 17:44 GMT