Family Sex Abuse Could End Gerry Adams' Career

Sinn Fein boss accused of protecting abusive brother

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 24, 2009 8:57 AM CST

(Newser) – A family sex abuse scandal has left Gerry Adams fighting for his political life, and many believe his chances of someday becoming president of Ireland have vanished. Adams' admission that he has been aware since 1987 of allegations that his brother raped his daughter from the age of 4 has shocked the Irish public, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

Adams' brother, Liam—who turned himself in this week to face sex abuse charges— went on to become a youth worker, and Gerry reportedly supported his bid to become a Sinn Fein candidate in 1997. Critics accuse Adams of failing to protect children from abuse, and his party is expected to suffer in the polls if he doesn't resign. Adams revealed earlier this week that his own father sexually abused his siblings while they were growing up.

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Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams gestures while speaking at the National Press Club in Washington earlier this year. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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Adams has nowhere else to go. There only was one option, a tilt at the presidency of Ireland. What cultural or political cachet does Adams have for Sinn Fein now? - Irish academic Paddy Hoey

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Family Sex Abuse Could End Gerry Adams' Career