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President Clinton Should Not Ban Adams

WASHINGTON, D.C, February 21 1996 -- There appears to be a concerted effort to get President Clinton to refuse a visa to Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams.      "That would be a terrible mistake for a two-fold reason," says Fr. Sean McManus, President of the Capitol Hill based Irish National Caucus.  "(1) It would further damage the peace-process and (2) it would damage Clinton's standing in the Irish-American Community."      "Adams is essential to rebuilding the peace-process and President Clinton's help is essential to the peace-process," explained Fr. McManus.  "I condemn absolutely the IRA bombing in London.  It is morally wrong and politically disastrous.  I appeal to them to stop and rejoin the peace-process."      "Gerry Adams did not break the peace-process.  Nobody worked harder or showed greater leadership than he.  But the English Government by its lack of leadership and lack of vision sabotaged the peace-process," he said.      "The way forward can only be through nonviolence and dialogue.  The IRA must stop and the English Government must convene all-party talks immediately," he concluded.