Sinn Fein President To Stand Down Next Year

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams is to stand down next year.

He has held the post since 1983 and confirmed he will not seek re-election to the Irish parliament.

In his Ard Fheis Presidential Address, Mr Adams said: "I thought I needed to tell you … I have been privileged to be part of an amazing leadership.

"One of our greatest achievements has been to build a peace process. I will not be standing for the Dáil; neither will Martin Ferris. This is also my last Ard Fheis.

"I want to thank everyone who has welcomed me into their homes and communities and who have made me part of countless campaigns, countless elections and countless negotiations."

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA, called for Mr Adams to use his remaining time as President of Sinn Fein to get the republican movement to hand over any information that could potentially lead to the recovery of the remaining Disappeared and bring closure to their families and thousands of others.

He said: "Saturday was a chance for Gerry Adams and the republican movement to show respect to the families that still are without the closure that comes with the dignity of being able to lay a loved one to rest. And indeed the literally thousands of families who want to know why their loved ones were murdered and maimed by the IRA. Instead they rubbed the noses of the IRA`s victims in the dirt. It was truly shameful glorifying the IRA who stole the ultimate right from its victims – the right to life.

"Gerry Adams should step aside immediately from the Northern Ireland talks process as his contribution has been neither helpful nor constructive. When others within Sinn Fein have been seemingly keen to do a deal, he has stamped on them. And he really shouldn't be there as he doesn't have the mandate to participate as he's elected in another jurisdiction.

"Mr Adams should also be clear that he is not going to seek co-option or re-election to the Northern Ireland Assembly or the United Kingdom Parliament. He's been clear with regards to his intentions south of the border, but not in relation to United Kingdom elected bodies."

(CD/LM)