The Unauthorised Biography of Gerry Adams by David Sharrock and Mark Devenport by Gary Kent Gerry Adams is a remarkable political figure - Marxist, Fascist, traitor, terrorist, peacemaker or statesman, according to taste. For some Adams has always been highly political, witty and cultured. Others say he is deeply sectarian. He vehemently denies this.
Unexpected figures offer favourable assessments.
He allegedly devised the tactic of economic bombings. This has taken years and this biography portrays Adams as a cold and ruthlessly efficient tactician in purging opponents, marking out and occupying new ground. This biography is necessarily limited by libel laws and the refusal by Adams or Sinn Fein to co-operate. One day, the full story may emerge. This review first appeared in the Tribune on January 23.