17.11.03
MONDAY 17/11/2003 12:49:53 UTV
Death of Gerry Adams' father
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams today cancelled his involvement in Assembly election campaigning after his father died in hospital. By:Press Association
Gerry Adams senior, a veteran republican and a former prisoner, died after an illness at the Royal Victoria Hospital in west Belfast.
Mr Adams confirmed the news after pulling out of the party`s manifesto launch for the November 26 election.
The West Belfast MP read a statement from his family.
He said: ``My father died this morning. He was ill for some time and on behalf of our family I wanted to thank staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, our family doctor and all who attended to him.
``This is the second bereavement in my family circle in the last week.
``I will be cancelling public engagements at this time.
``I want to put on record that we appreciate the support and solidarity of colleagues and comrades at this time.``
Mr Adams senior was a founder member of the Felons Association in West Belfast.
Last week Gerry Adams` sister-in-law also died.
Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness expressed the party`s condolences to the family.
The Mid Ulster MP said: ``This manifesto launch is taking place under particularly sad circumstances with the death of our party president Gerry Adams` father.
``On behalf of the entire Sinn Fein leadership and all our party we want to send all our condolences to the Adams family at this time.``
Death of Gerry Adams' father
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams today cancelled his involvement in Assembly election campaigning after his father died in hospital. By:Press Association
Gerry Adams senior, a veteran republican and a former prisoner, died after an illness at the Royal Victoria Hospital in west Belfast.
Mr Adams confirmed the news after pulling out of the party`s manifesto launch for the November 26 election.
The West Belfast MP read a statement from his family.
He said: ``My father died this morning. He was ill for some time and on behalf of our family I wanted to thank staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, our family doctor and all who attended to him.
``This is the second bereavement in my family circle in the last week.
``I will be cancelling public engagements at this time.
``I want to put on record that we appreciate the support and solidarity of colleagues and comrades at this time.``
Mr Adams senior was a founder member of the Felons Association in West Belfast.
Last week Gerry Adams` sister-in-law also died.
Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness expressed the party`s condolences to the family.
The Mid Ulster MP said: ``This manifesto launch is taking place under particularly sad circumstances with the death of our party president Gerry Adams` father.
``On behalf of the entire Sinn Fein leadership and all our party we want to send all our condolences to the Adams family at this time.``
