Adams' brother sought over alleged abuse of daughter
LOUTH Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan admitted that he has known for months that Liam Adams, a former community worker in Dundalk, faced allegations of abusing and raping his own daughter.
But he denied reports that Adams was a high profile member of Sinn Féin in Dundalk, saying on Monday 'He was not on the richter scale at all.'
Brother of Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, Liam Adams is being sought by authorities in the north to face 23 charges of alleged rape and sexual abuse of his daughter Aine Tyrell.
She was waved her right to anonymity to publicly accuse her father Liam of abusing her over a period of eight years from when she was just four years old, beginning in the 1970s.
Speaking to the about the revelations, Deputy Arthur Morgan said that he had been made aware of the case in the last few months.
'I was extremely shocked, and I don't say that lightly. Although he was not a friend as such, I did know him on a personal basis.'
He said that Liam Adams moved to Dundalk from west Belfast in the early 1990s, and that he lived for the most part in Muirhevnamor.
'Although he was a party member, he was never an officer, and certainly was never in the running, as has been stated in the media, for nomination as a candidate in the 1997 Dáil elections,' said Deputy Morgan.
He confirmed that Liam Adams was involved in a community project in Muirhevnamor in the late 1990s.
The Louth Deputy added that Adams was not 'appointed' to the project, but rather became involved because of his community work in Dundalk.
' This was at a time before there were vetting procedures for anyone working with children. I have no doubt the vetting procedures in place now would have picked up Liam Adams.'
Adams' daughter Aine had made a complaint to police in the north as early as 1987. She also stated last week that attempts had been made by the republican movement to dissuade her from pursuing the case.
Deputy Morgan said 'If that's what Aine says then I accept it. She is the victim, and should be given centre stage here, along with as much support and care as possible.'
- Olivia RYAN
