In a high court testimony that has reignited historical debates, retired British army commander Richard Kemp asserted it is "inconceivable" that former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was not involved in authorizing IRA bombings in England. Kemp, drawing on his extensive military background, presented evidence from what he described as a "multitude of intelligence" sources spanning two decades, which he claims firmly establishes Adams' membership in the paramilitary organization.
Intelligence Claims and Court Proceedings
Kemp provided his statement on Wednesday as part of a civil claim brought by three victims of IRA bombings, who are seeking symbolic damages of £1 each from Adams. The plaintiffs allege that Adams was not only a member of the IRA but also served on its army council during key periods. In his written testimony, Kemp emphasized that high-profile attacks, such as the Old Bailey bomb in 1973 and the Docklands and Manchester bombings in 1996, would have required direct approval from the IRA's army council.
"This very high-profile activity simply could not have been carried out without the council's knowledge and approval," Kemp stated. "It is inconceivable, in my view and based on my knowledge of the PIRA and the intelligence I had access to, that Adams would not have been involved in this process and its ultimate authorisation."
Cross-Examination and Controversies
During cross-examination by James Robottom, representing Adams, Kemp acknowledged limitations in his direct evidence. He admitted he had no firsthand proof of Adams' specific role in the bombings and could not guarantee that the intelligence he referenced was free from bias, potentially originating from Adams' political adversaries. Robottom highlighted that intelligence can often be "wrong and unreliable," a point Kemp conceded.
However, Kemp defended the consistency of the intelligence over time, noting, "I saw intelligence and was briefed on intelligence for a period of around 20 years, which made it clear that Mr Adams was in the IRA. I think it is inconceivable that intelligence that was not correct would have been reported over that period of time."
The cross-examination also delved into Kemp's public writings and past statements. Robottom pointed out that Kemp had previously expressed strong opinions about Sinn Féin and the peace process but had not specifically written about Adams' IRA membership. Kemp responded that he could not recall if he had addressed Adams directly in his publications. He further described Sinn Féin and the IRA as "two sides of the same organization" and admitted to being "very critical" of investigations and claims against British soldiers related to the Troubles.
Personal Background and Social Media Scrutiny
Kemp's testimony touched on personal aspects, including his use of the term "taigs" in a 2017 tweet. A derogatory slang for Catholics, Kemp, who is Catholic himself, explained that he had been called the term by fellow soldiers during his tours in Northern Ireland and did not initially recognize it as an insult. He stated he has not used the word since facing criticism for the tweet.
With a career that included seven tours in Northern Ireland between 1979 and 2001, and later service as a commander in Afghanistan, Kemp's insights are rooted in decades of military and intelligence experience. The trial continues, with ongoing proceedings expected to further explore these contentious historical claims.
