Updated 4.28pm
GERRY ADAMS HAS said he has no control over former members of the IRA, but he does not think the organisation was involved in the murder of Kevin McGuigan.
The Sinn Féin president was speaking after it emerged the party’s northern chairman Bobby Storey was one of three men arrested this morning in connection to the killing last month.
Adams said no member of Sinn Féin was involved in McGuigan’s death and he doesn’t believe the IRA played a role either.
He said the IRA no longer exists and Sinn Féin is the only republican organisation in the country.
Adams described Storey as “a valued member of our national leadership and a person of great integrity”, adding: “He’s been charged with nothing.”
When asked if he could influence former Republicans to come forward if they had information in relation to the murder, Adams said he does not has possess this type of control “no more than Enda Kenny can be responsible former members of Fine Gael or Micheál Martin can be responsible former members of Fianna Fáil”.
He called on anyone who has information about the killing come forward as those involved “need to face due process”.
Unionists
The killing has sparked a crisis in Northern Ireland’s power-sharing executive.
In the course of investigation the McGuigan shooting, PSNI superintendent Kevin Geddes suggested that members of the PIRA were involved.
Adams said threats by Unionists parties to withdraw from the Northern executive over recent developments are an attempt “exclude” Sinn Féin voters from the political process.
First Minister Peter Robinson has called for the assembly to be adjourned.
The BBC is reporting that the other two men arrested today are “well-known republicans”.
Earlier, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness said he was “surprised to learn about the arrest”.
“Bobby Storey is a valued member of Sinn Féin’s core leadership.”
He has played a leading role in the development of Sinn Féin’s peace strategy and is a long standing and loyal supporter, defender and advocate of the peace and political processes.
“We look forward with confidence to his early release.”
This evening a, spokesperson for the Taoiseach confirmed that Enda Kenny phoned McGuinness earlier to discuss this morning’s arrests during what was a 1o to 15 minute “business-like” conversation.
“The Taoiseach informed Martin McGuinness of his view that Sinn Féin had responsibilities to ensure that the talks continue and the Executive is supported. Everybody has that responsibility,” the spokesperson said.
The PSNI said it will not be commenting on the arrests.
McGuigan was shot dead in Belfast last month. A total of sixteen people have been arrested in connection with his murder.
- additional reporting from Hugh O’Connell
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