Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA has welcomed the news that the Attorney General is to conduct a review of the decision not to prosecute Gerry Adams for withholding evidence about the activities of his brother Liam who was last week convicted of sexually abusing his daughter.
Mr Elliott said;
“There is no question that there are a number of un-resolved issues regarding this case.
I welcome the fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions recognises the considerable public interest surrounding the decision not to prosecute Mr Gerry Adams in October 2011 in relation to an allegation that he withheld information in connection with the Liam Adams case.
I also welcome the commitment from the PPS that the evidence will now be reviewed "independently" due to the considerable public interest surrounding the decision not to prosecute and that the Attorney General “will be given full access to all materials that he considers necessary in order to complete this review.”
There is a great deal of disquiet in the community regarding this case and I believe a full investigation of the role played by Gerry Adams, and in particular what he knew and when, is required. There is obvious concern that Liam Adams was allowed to remain at large for such a long time after he had admitted his guilt to his brother, and was able to secure employment working with young people in both the Republic and in Belfast. The more clarity and certainty that can be provided, the better for all concerned.”