Adams says he did not take path of the IRA

GERRY Adams has said IRA membership was “not a path I took” as he was quizzed about his past comments and republican links during a libel trial.

- BY GRAINNE NI AODHA

The 76-year-old said an attempt was being made to “smother” the jury in history as he was asked to recall events during the Troubles and the peace process.

The former Sinn Fein leader said he would not “speculate” on IRA members or its rules while in the witness box as part of his defamation case against the BBC.

Asked if there was no official record of IRA membership, Mr Adams said he supposed there was not.