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'I've said what I need to say': Gerry Adams on brother's conviction

Gerry Adams asked for space for his him and his family describing it as “a huge ordeal” for them in the wake of Liam Adams’ conviction for raping his daughter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igw0T3W3Lo8

YouTube: Hugh O’Connell

SINN FÉIN PRESIDENT Gerry Adams declined to answer specific questions regarding what and when he knew about his brother Liam who was yesterday found guilty raping and sexually abusing his eldest daughter more than 30 years ago.

Liam Adams was convicted of raping and sexually abusing his eldest daughter Áine Adams over a six-year period between 1977 and 1983 at Belfast Crown Court yesterday.

Speaking today Gerry Adams said that the matter “has been and continues to be a huge ordeal for my family” and said “there’s a lot of disinformation being flung about on this issue”.

But when asked about the specifics of the case and evidence he gave in court he would not go into detail other than to say that the police knew about his brother’s abuse “over 20 years ago”.

He said he had “answered all those questions in some detail on a number of extensive interviews” and added: “I am not going to talk about any of these matters beyond what I’ve just said.”

Earlier when asked about the case, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “Well, I don’t want to comment on the personal circumstances… I’ve read the reports no more than anybody else about this.

“Clearly the issue of paedophilia is something that is of such sensitivity and importance that where information about these things is known that it should be made known to the authorities at once.”

Read: Liam Adams found guilty of rape and sexual abuse

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