From The Detail a discussion on the reaction to the decision of the UK Supreme Court to quash convictions of Gerry Adams.
By Brian Gormally
It was only to be expected that there would be an emotional reaction. On May 13, 2020 the Supreme Court quashed the 1975 convictions of Gerry Adams for attempting to escape from lawful custody.
The retired politician, for some a hero, for others a hate figure without comparison, was left with no criminal convictions and his internment without trial deemed unlawful.
That the highest UK court could exonerate this ‘enemy of the state’ might seem, to some, an indication of how far we have come in the past half century. To others it could be savoured as one of history’s delicious ironies but to others again, it appears to be a betrayal.
Nonetheless, the reaction of Trevor Ringland, known for peace campaigning, writing in the News Letter on May 16, seems a little extreme.
In a disturbing image, he argues that the decision:
walked on…the graves of those who, throughout the history of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, strove to uphold the rule of law, whether it was soldiers, police officers or his (Lord Justice Brian Kerr) colleagues in the legal profession … Why was he not excused from this duty?
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"The 30-year rule is the informal name given to laws in the UK and other countries which provide that certain government documents will be released publicly 30 years after they were created."
ReplyDeleteNot hard to see that they'll stick another 30 year clause on any other outstanding Legacy cases now. That way it'll be succesfully buried 'neath the sands of time.
Steve R
ReplyDeleteThere are also 50, 75 and 100year rules as well.
I know Ringland and recall arguing with him on policing in 1997 however, one can take the madly upset approach to the decision or, in the alternative, one can take the cynical approach, just how much information might the one time leader of the political wing of Sinn Féin have provided to the enemy, as did his deputy and why did he do it, the fact there were issues within his family, undoubtedly known to the RUC which could be used to 'persuade' him?
ReplyDeleteWere Trevor to pronounce upon this we might have a more clear idea of just why so many died, were injured and many more locked up destroying their young lives.
Menace,
DeletePerhaps, but by 1997 the spooks had a 'saturation level' of electronic survelliance across the RM. Still do, and as Anthony has pointed out there is no need for everyone to be an agent if some are assets ie; persuing a peaceful path. I doubt Adams was an agent, he was no coward and doubtful he'd turn.