Public Record Office: Gerry Adams seen as 'man of peace'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams was described as a man of peace who was tired of life on the run with the IRA after a secret meeting with government officials in 1972.
The meeting between Mr Adams, then aged 23, and Daithi O'Conaill, an IRA leader now dead, and the government official, Philip Woodfield, took place near the Donegal border on 21 June, the day before the IRA announced a ceasefire.
Mr Woodfield was authorised to speak for William Whitelaw, who was Northern Ireland Secretary, and they discussed the conditions under which the IRA would announce a halt to hostilities. After the meeting, Mr Woodfield, the deputy under- secretary of state for Northern Ireland, recorded his favourable impressions of the men in a note that is declassified by the Public Record Office today.
"There is no doubt whatever that these two at least genuinely want a ceasefire and a permanent end to violence," he said. "They let drop several remarks showing that the life of the Provisional IRA man on the run is not a pleasant one. Their appearance and manner was respectable and respectful – they referred to Mr Whitelaw as the Secretary of State and they addressed me as 'sir'.
"Their response to every argument was reasonable and moderate. Their behaviour appeared to bear no relation to the indiscriminate campaigns of bombing and shooting in which they have both been prominent leaders."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments