Looking back, it was a life well spent, says Gerry Adams

Gerry Adams has been at the spear point of the movement for a free and united Ireland for much of his life. But Irish history is awash in stories of those who seek to right injustices ingrained into society for generations.  Change is not accomplished without push-back. For those that are called upon to sacrifice for a greater good, much sacrifice is required. Sometimes you make choices in the heat of the moment or as conditions dictate in order to further your goal, those choices can bring unforeseen consequences. Sometimes your motto is, the enemy of my enemy, is my friend.

Regarded as a freedom fighter by millions around the world for the great changes he has brought to Ireland, this recognition has not come without high cost to himself and those around him.  Today Gerry suffers from pain caused by bullet wounds and the health effects from imprisonment in harsh conditions.

The imprisonment was not only designed to keep him away from a struggle he fervently believed in, but also designed to break his spirit.  Gerry's struggle also resulted in the loss of friends and family and created bitter enemies along the way.


In this fourth and last part of my interview with Gerry Adams, we discuss choices made during his lifetime and his belief in the vast power of the Irish people to see the peace process through.

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Read 1st parts of interview here:

From soldier to statesman Gerry Adams made his mark


US civil rights movement inspired Gerry Adams

Gerry Adams say British have illegal, immoral and illegitimate claim to part of Ireland

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I asked Gerry about the tumultuous past of his life.  Looking back in retrospect, would he have chosen a different route?

"First of all Ed" I do not look upon myself as a historic or pivotal figure, I look at myself as a small part of a much bigger whole, no way unique."  Gerry went on to say: "We're blessed with a huge team of people, some of us have come through a lot of hard experiences together and that has forged a continuity and history, through the good as well as the bad"

Gerry then said: "I can't see me doing a lot of other things, if I had the chance, but I didn't....I have no regrets"

"There may be individual issues and matters and events, that I may have regrets about-just in terms" But summed it up with: "But it is a life well spent"

Gerry continued: "When you are able to bring about the type of seismic changes which my generation have been involved and hopefully a lot will be continued in the upcoming period, then much will be accomplished peacefully" 

Through his life's prism, Gerry was able to share his feelings on how peaceful change can be brought about:  "I have huge confidence in people" he said. " But through all of this I have learned we have to listen a lot, we have to talk a lot and be very proactive in listening to those who oppose our views."  "We must be able to peacefully persuade them to the vast possibilities for them in the future."

A chara

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Gerry Adams says British still have illegal, immoral and illegitimate claim to part of Ireland

One thing you can say about Gerry Adams, is that he has an unshakable and fierce determination to see the peace process through to create a new and united Irish Republic. There is nothing he is not well informed about when it comes to the Good Friday Agreement and the infrastructure built around it.  He speaks with surety and a certain steel tone when he voices his view for the future of Ireland and doesn't mince words when he expresses his feelings regarding the fairness of what unification will bring to the people of Ireland

In this the third segment of my interview with Gerry Adams we talk about the future of Ireland's reunification and how his political party,  Sinn Fein, meaning "we ourselves," is gaining more popularity.

Sinn Fein is gaining greater power in Ireland, polls show it is the 2nd most popular political party at this time. I asked Gerry what his opinion of that was: "Opinion polls are opinion polls," he stated. "They are only a snapshot in time, the poll that really counts is the one on election day." He went on to say: "We (Sinn Fein) see our way as a better path for the people of Ireland, particularly our ideas to help the economy which is flat at this time."

Gerry said: "We see the current government, as not much different from what they replaced, same basic economic policies which are hurting the middle and lower classes disproportionately."  You can't cut your way out of a recession, you must grow your way out." "The current government is spending a tiny fraction on job creation and stimulus, yet at the same time paying billions to bondholders of banks....banks whose actions could be described as criminal."

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Read parts 1 & 2 here:

From soldier to statesman, Gerry Adams made his mark


The US civil rights movement inspired Gerry Adams
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He told me: "Sinn Fein has brought forth proposals to reduce the deficit, which don't include the dire consequences to the most vulnerable in our society" Gerry then went on to describe a very evocative scene which occurred a couple of weeks ago at expos for  employment abroad in Dublin and Cork: " Ed, it was sad to see the thousands of mostly young, well educated, trained Irish people, having to leave the country in order to get work.  We have seen this too often in our past-we need them here at home." I told Gerry that's why my family left and came to the States for a better life and to get work.

Then we talked about the future of Ireland and the chances of getting north and south united again.  "Getting rid of partition is a good and patriotic thing to do.  The British still have an illegal, immoral and illegitimate claim to part of Ireland," he said  "I believe we can have Irish Unity in our time."  "We have transcended partition, not entirely, but by the infrastructure of the Good Friday Agreement we are getting closer.  When a majority of the people wish for unity it will happen."

To illuminate some of the great sea change happening in Ireland, he shared that he was "quite taken by a Sinn Fein event last month in Derry".  "A Unionist speaker was invited to attend and in the audience were up to 200 from the unionist movement, it was all very peaceful and respectful"...."Ed, you couldn't have imagined that sort of thing happening 5-10 years ago in the mood and spirit this was conducted.  "The more we do of this the better for all."

But Gerry said "the Diaspora have a huge roll to play in all of this." This island's in transition, the south because of its economic condition and the north because of the peace process, we're looking for a way forward and the Diaspora can help."  "There was never a time when Republican policies are more needed than now."

Gerry said: "The great Patriot Theobald Wolfe Tone believed in the unity of Catholic and Protestant together in the center"  Then Gerry finished with: "We want a new Republic, a new Ireland where people can travel by choice-not forced.  We want rights and entitlements that all free countries have. But we must have unification so we can have our Republic."

I asked Gerry about his past and the tumultuous occurrences and tragedies, if he had the chance would he have made the same choices.  We'll get his answer in the final upcoming segment


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For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

The US civil rights movement inspired Gerry Adams

In this second installment of my interview with Gerry Adams, we discussed the powerful feelings evoked by the brave actions of founders in the US civil rights movement and the effect it had on his thinking. In the first installment we discussed the Boston College Tapes and the pardoning of the 5,000 Irish soldiers who deserted their posts in World War II, in order to go off and fight the Nazis.

As our discussion continued, Gerry mentioned what turbulent times the world was swept up in during the 60's and 70's, those great social changes occurring around the globe as people struggled for equality.   "The Kennedy Brothers, John and Robert said it best,  life is unfair, but how you resist and act about it,  is key."  Of course the assassinations of Americas leaders of change, the Kennedy Brothers and the Reverend, Martin Luther King Junior, in the midst of the great civil rights movement,  just added to the surrealism and turbulence of those days.

At that point I asked Gerry if he had seen the new George Lucas movie, Red tails, which was about the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II depicting black airmen breaking the race barrier.    Our conversation then focused in on a personal note that affected Gerry's life and in turn struck a bond between Gerry and the United States.
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Read more about Red Tails and Americas fight for equality below:

George Lucas film "Red Tails" proves race still a factor with Hollywood elite

Red Tails, from a unique American perspective

Marin Luther King Monument is a tribute to Americas greatness

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 Gerry shared:  "I remember reading 40 years/50 years ago about this woman who refused to sit at the back of the bus, Rosa Parks was a hero of mine", he said.  He continued " Mine was a generation who became politically and socially inspired by these courageous people."   I was a founder, although junior member of this great movement, who modeled ourselves after the US civil rights movement. We even borrowed the anthem We Shall Overcome". 

Gerry was moved by these courageous acts and took note of how change can be brought about peacefully.  Rosa Parks bravery to be the first to defy an unjust law, designed to keep her as a 2nd class citizen, made an impression on Gerry. He didn't forget these courageous Americans as he struggled with Ireland's own brand of inequality at the time and worked to help bring about change to his country.

When Gerry was invited to the United States to meet with US leaders as the peace process started, he requested a meeting with a most inspirational US citizen, Rosa Parks.  He said " I was delighted to meet her and brought with me a small presentation from the people of Ireland." 

As America became more involved in the peace process under the Clinton Administration, President Clinton sent his top emissaries over to Ireland to meet with leaders. Gerry said: "During these times there was still a lot of turmoil over here just trying to get the peace process passed and approved"  Clinton sent his very close friend and powerful ally, Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, to help in this endeavor.

Ron Brown, who happened to be a black American could make much happen with his influence in the Clinton Administration. Being the personality that he was, he and Gerry instantly hit it off, and Ron asked Gerry: " Tell me what I shouldn't ask you to do?"  Gerry replied back without thinking: " Just don't ask me to sit at the back of the bus".  At that instant a powerful bond of trust and understanding was forged between the two men, that stretched across the ocean.  They both understood the importance of what their undertaking was and from that moment forward, there was great support and cooperation from the United States in the efforts to bring a just and fair society to Ireland through non violent means.

Tragically, Ron Brown was killed in a plane crash soon after, but the bond that had been formed between him and Gerry was transferred to the rest of the American administration from then on.  America has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Irish people to help them attain equality and fairness and to bring economic growth to the country.

It's always interesting to look back on life's twists and turns, to put your finger on a defining moment.  Of course it is always much easier to do that in the relative ease and comfort that 20/20 hindsight affords you.  While you're in the midst of crashing through your challenges, sometimes it is rare to get that clarity.  But the Rosa Parks moment spread ripples throughout the world, which are still reverberating.

Next we will be discussing why his party, Sinn Fein is becoming more powerful in Ireland. We will talk about the changes that have come about as the result of the Good Friday Agreement and how this will lead to a united Ireland, sooner rather than later.


The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com

From soldier to statesman, Gerry Adams made his mark

Gerry Adams

To millions of people the world over, Gerry Adams is the essential, unwavering face of struggle for a free and united Ireland.  Jailed repeatedly for his beliefs and subjected to  intimidation tactics, he also survived being gravely wounded when his car was riddled with bullets in an assassination attempt   His story has inspired countless books and his character has been portrayed in a number of films.  In a land of tales and legends, his will be told for countless generations.

I had an opportunity to interview Gerry on a range of topics.  He is well versed and so intertwined in the rich tangled  skein of Irish and world history, there really isn't much we couldn't have a conversation on. From the 60's and 70's worldwide freedom movements, which saw the beginning of the end of apartheid in South Africa, to Americas internal struggles against racism and an unpopular war in Vietnam, our conversation touched on these and many other issues.

As our conversation began after the hellos, there really wasn't any hesitation, we jumped right into the interview.  Gerry told me to "fire away" with my questions, so I did.

I had some questions on various topics starting from the days of World War 2, to current problems and their solutions. Gerry shared his vision for a united Republic of Ireland and how far that struggle has come.   I will be writing excerpts from this interview in the coming days and weeks, this is an introduction to that conversation we shared.

Right off the bat we jumped into a firestorm of controversy here in the US and in Ireland, regarding the legal tug of war for possession of the Boston college tapes. The war is being waged in US courts between the right of privileged/protected information and the governments intrusion into that right.  Boston College and the Obama Justice Department are slugging it out in court over this.

These tapes were part of a dialogue between seven members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) & the college itself who was doing an oral history of the struggle during violent times in Ireland, known as "The Troubles".  Boston College recorded combatants from both sides in Northern Ireland, a conflict between the British Protestant majority and Irish Catholic minority.  These tapes were made under an agreement of protection that they would not be made public until all participants died.

Boston College is fighting the order for them to release these tapes. But under terms of a treaty, U.S. officials want possession of these tapes in order to share those interviews with Northern Ireland police investigating a 1972 homicide.

I asked Gerry if he had any idea why the pressure was being brought to bear on Boston College after all of these years by the Obama Justice Dept. Gerry said "I have no comment on any of it, as it was something between those interviewed and the College itself....whatever is on those tapes"  As far as motivations behind the investigation, he surmised " it was some factions of the anti republican people trying to resurrect old wounds".

To me that was fair enough as I think many involved in all of this want to put the tragedies behind us and move on. Gerry was instrumental in helping to steer the longstanding bloody conflict, into a direction where the guns (Armalites) and bombs were put aside, to be replaced by talk, negotiation and votes.  I lauded him for his efforts, however he  refers to his role as "only being a part of a great collective that has brought seismic change to the Island of Ireland".

But the seismic change which Ireland is going through is not without growing pains and there are still wounds that need to heal. In that vein I asked Gerry about the recent pardon of the 5,000 Irish Army "deserters" that left their posts to fight with the British against the Nazis in World War II.

In a tone that was to be repeated throughout our interview, Gerry said "that in these enlightened times, why not pardon the men and take the stigma off of their families?"  This occurred 70 years ago," a general pardon  signals a general healing for the Irish people and will mean closure to the issue.   Besides, many other Irish went off to fight against the Nazis and many hundreds of thousands died in that cataclysmic war.  But there were strong feelings at the time and some factions in Ireland supported the fascists, so bitter feelings brewed in some corners".

We next talked about Gerry's participation in the peace process, his interaction with the United States and the help received from the Clinton administration.  He has profound feelings of gratitude for that help.

But he also was quite moved when he met one of the linchpins of the American civil rights movement, it was a momentous occasion for him and provided a bond that held fast over time, stretching across the Atlantic Ocean.  These topics we will cover in the next installment.


The most unique gifts: Time capsules in American and world history: lifemagforsale.com

For other points of view visit Carroll Standard: carrollstandard.com