A journalist has told the High Court in London that members of the Provisional IRA privately viewed Gerry Adams’ repeated denials of IRA membership as “hypocritical”.
The claim was made by journalist John Weir during evidence given in civil proceedings connected to IRA bomb attacks carried out during the Troubles.
Weir told the court that individuals within the Provisional IRA believed Adams held a senior role within the organisation during the conflict.
According to the testimony, some IRA members regarded Adams’ public statements denying membership as unrealistic and considered the denials to be hypocritical.
The court heard that Adams has consistently denied ever being a member of the Provisional IRA, a position he has maintained throughout his political career.
Adams, the former president of Sinn Fein and a central figure in the negotiations that led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, has repeatedly rejected claims that he held a leadership role within the organisation.
The civil case has been brought by victims of IRA bomb attacks who are seeking to establish responsibility for violence carried out during the Troubles.
Lawyers representing the claimants argue that senior republican figures exercised leadership influence over the Provisional IRA at the time certain attacks were carried out.
The proceedings at the High Court are continuing and further witness testimony is expected to be heard as the case progresses.
