President Clinton Should Not Ban Adams

Posted By: March 29, 2013

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.