A former police officer has told a court that Gerry Adams was the “de facto” leader of the Provisional IRA, during evidence given in a civil court case connected to historic bombing claims.
The statement was made during proceedings relating to a case brought by victims of an IRA bombing, who are pursuing civil action against Adams.
During the hearing, the former officer told the court that in his assessment Adams effectively held a leading role within the Provisional Irish Republican Army, despite Adams consistently denying that he was ever a member of the organisation.
Adams has long rejected allegations that he held a leadership role in the Provisional IRA.
Throughout his political career, the former president of Sinn Fein has maintained that he was never a member of the IRA.
The civil case relates to the 1972 Aldershot Barracks bombing, which killed several people when a car bomb exploded at the British Army base in England.
Families affected by the attack have taken legal action in an effort to establish responsibility for the bombing.
During the proceedings, the former police officer gave evidence about intelligence assessments and his understanding of the command structure within the Provisional IRA during the early years of the Troubles.
Lawyers representing the claimants argue that Adams held significant influence within the organisation during the period in question.
The court has heard various forms of testimony as part of the civil action.
Adams has previously described similar allegations made over the years as untrue and politically motivated.
Civil proceedings differ from criminal trials in that the court considers whether claims are proven on the balance of probabilities rather than beyond reasonable doubt.
The case is continuing as the court examines the evidence presented by both sides.
