DUP Leader Comments on Gerry Adams Liability Case
The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Gavin Robinson, has described the potential court ruling that finds Gerry Adams personally liable for injuries sustained by three men in IRA bomb attacks as a "seismic" moment.
Robinson made these remarks ahead of the second day of a civil trial against the former Sinn Féin leader, which is taking place in London.
Adams firmly denies any involvement in the London and Manchester bombings of 1973 and 1996, respectively. He also denies ever being a member of the IRA or serving on its ruling army council.
Both Gavin Robinson and his party colleague Gregory Campbell attended the trial, observing the proceedings from the public gallery, seated three rows behind Adams.
In court, it has been alleged that Adams is as "culpable" for the bomb attacks as the individuals who planted and detonated the devices.
Adams is being sued for "vindicatory" damages of £1 each by John Clark, Jonathan Ganesh, and Barry Laycock. These men were injured in the Old Bailey attack in 1973, and the London Docklands and Manchester bombings in 1996, respectively.
Adams' legal team has argued that the case relies on "an assortment of hearsay evidence" and has criticized the timing of the lawsuit, which comes several decades after the incidents.
Robinson stated:
"I think it's important for us and the experience that we have had in Northern Ireland to stand here with victims who experienced the trauma of the troubles right across the United Kingdom.
We have met Jonathan Ganesh on a number of occasions, and we think this is an important case.
I believe that Gerry Adams was in the IRA.
That won't change through this case, but if our system establishes that he was, and that liability rests with him, then that will be seismic."
Victim Testimony: Seeking Justice
The court has heard testimony from its first witness, Jonathan Ganesh.
Ganesh was a security guard stationed at South Quay Docklands during the February 1996 explosion, which caused him to be blown off his feet and resulted in perforated eardrums.
Two of his friends were killed in the blast, and he continues to suffer from significant post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ganesh expressed that he is seeking "some sort of justice" not only for himself but also for other victims of IRA attacks.
During cross-examination, he was asked:
"You want to be able to say that Gerry Adams is the man responsible for the bomb that injured you?"
Ganesh responded:
"I don't suggest for one minute that Mr Adams planted the bomb.
I do believe he played a major part in the IRA and I thought he had some involvement with the attack."
