Gerry Adams

Gerard Adams (born October 6, 1948) is an Irish republican politician and a widely polarizing figure in the United Kingdom. Although his frequent denial of being a member of the Irish Republican Army, speculation has arisen by many authors and historians that he was associated with senior IRA leadership. The IRA, designated as terrorists by the British government, were a paramilitary organization that went through various violent methods in order to obtain a united Ireland.

Former IRA members Anthony McIntyre and Richard O'Rawe have claimed Adams was a key figure in the IRA. Adams said: "I'm very, very clear about my denial of IRA membership but I don't disassociate myself from the IRA."

In 2014, Adams was arrested as law enforcement had evidence that linked him to the 1972 murder of Jean McConville, who was murdered by IRA forces. However, he was dismissed due to lack of evidence. Since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, Adams has advocated for anti-sectarianism and spoken against republican forces who wish to engage in militancy.