7 October 1999 Edition
Back issue: Adams calls for dialogue
SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams was given a standing ovation from a crowd of over 400 people at the Labour Committee on Ireland's public meeting in Brighton, held to coincide with the annual conference of the British Labour Party. The rally called for an end to censorship, which Adams said was obstructing the search for a solution and perpetuating the tragedy of conflict for both the Irish and British people.
The success of the visit was itself the subject of censorship and distortion in the British media, with most reports focusing on the small group of Tory Party and National Front protestors outside the hall. The combined Conservative and fascist protest only breifly intruded on the meeting when a member of the NF attempted to grab a microphone and throw water. The incident lasted only a minute and Adams joked to the audience that the fascists ``must have wanted to make me feel at home''.
Highlighting as it did the contradictions in Labour Party policy on Ireland, the meeting came in for criticism from the party's leadership. Responding to comments from Labour's spokesperson on the Six Counties, Kevin McNamara, Gerry Adams said: ``The resolution of any conflict must begin with informed dialogue. It is unfortunate that Kevin McNamara is adopting the same blinkered stance as the Tory government.''
The success of the visit was itself the subject of censorship and distortion in the British media, with most reports focusing on the small group of Tory Party and National Front protestors outside the hall. The combined Conservative and fascist protest only breifly intruded on the meeting when a member of the NF attempted to grab a microphone and throw water. The incident lasted only a minute and Adams joked to the audience that the fascists ``must have wanted to make me feel at home''.
Highlighting as it did the contradictions in Labour Party policy on Ireland, the meeting came in for criticism from the party's leadership. Responding to comments from Labour's spokesperson on the Six Counties, Kevin McNamara, Gerry Adams said: ``The resolution of any conflict must begin with informed dialogue. It is unfortunate that Kevin McNamara is adopting the same blinkered stance as the Tory government.''