The Five Demands

Attorney General to review decision not to prosecute Gerry Adams (BBC News Northern Ireland)

Attorney General John Larkin is to review a decision not to prosecute Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams for allegedly withholding information on his brother.

Liam Adams was convicted last week of raping and abusing his daughter, Áine, over a six-year period in the 1970s.

Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory asked for a review of the decision not to prosecute Gerry Adams.

Gerry Adams testified at Liam Adams’ first trial which collapsed for legal reasons.

Gerry Adams, the TD for Louth and a former West Belfast MP, did not give evidence at the second trial.

Liam Adams has yet to be sentenced.

Responding to the latest development, Gerry Adams said: “I have no comment to make in respect of this decision.

“This is a matter for the legal authorities, although I note that the PPS (Public Prosecution Service) has said it has ‘confidence in the evidential decisions taken’ previously in this case.

“However, it is clear that there are some politicians and elements in the media who have decided to use this issue for opportunistic and party political reasons, and who seek to politicise what is, at its heart, a family tragedy.

“The fact is that I co-operated fully with the PSNI, the PPS and the prosecution lawyers throughout this case.”

Paul Givan, chairman of Stormont’s justice committee, welcomed DPP Barra McGrory’s decision to review the case.