Statement by Gerry Adams about the alleged IRA spy ring at Stormont in October 2002, (8 December 2005)

Statement by Gerry Adams, then President of Sinn Féin, following the withdrawal of prosecutions in connection with an alleged IRA spy ring at Stormont in October 2002, (8 December 2005)

"This operation was a blatant example of political policing aimed at collapsing the political institutions.

Faceless securocrats subverted the democratic wishes of the electorate north and south who voted for the Good Friday Agreement.

The collapse of this case should now focus attention onto the Special Branch and those responsible for planning, carrying out and authorising this entire operation.

Their activities have continued unabated since then to the detriment of the conflict resolution process, including of course the arrest last week of respect Sinn Fein Assembly member Francie Brolly in a Special Branch smear operation."