Disgust at New York honour for Gerry Adams

THE Mayor of New York’s decision to name St Patrick’s Day 2018 as ‘Gerry Adams Day’ in the city has been met with heavy criticism on this side of the Atlantic.

Austin Stack, son of IRA murder victim Brian Stack, said he was “absolutely disgusted” by the honour, while Fianna Fail TD Darragh O’Brien branded it “ridiculous”.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio presented Mr Adams with a framed proclamation at a ceremony at his official residence Gracie Mansion yesterday.

The Democratic Party politician lavished praise on Mr Adams for his role in the peace process, but also said he was honouring him for “his lifelong pursuit of the goal that makes so much sense, the goal of a united Ireland”.

Mr de Blasio said Mr Adams will be remembered by history as “one of the people who did something truly heroic... who found a path to peace where others could not envision it. And so many are alive today because of that.”

He presented Mr Adams with the proclamation declaring this year’s St Patrick’s Day to be ‘Gerry Adams Day’ in New York.

Mr Stack criticised the decision to honour Mr Adams who as Sinn Fein leader had supported the Provisional IRA’s campaign of murder and terror for many years during the Troubles. He said he was “revolted and hurt” by the move and asked if Mr de Blasio would dedicate next year’s St Patrick’s Day in honour of IRA victims.