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Ed Moloney on why Northern Ireland's past keeps catching up with it

Sixteen years after the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland appears to have found peace. But some business remains unresolved. We hear about a police investigation that has given fresh reasons to argue over the past....
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The Current23:58Ed Moloney on why Northern Ireland's past keeps catching up with it - June 13, 2014
Sixteen years after the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland appears to have found peace. But some business remains unresolved. We hear about a police investigation that has given fresh reasons to argue over the past.

This week, Northern Irish leaders renewed their efforts to negotiate outstanding issues. But the past keeps intruding.

Last month, Gerry Adams, the leader of the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein, and one of the architects of the Good Friday deal, was arrested for questioning in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville. Ms. McConville was a widowed mother of 10 who was accused of informing on the IRA. Her body was recovered thirty years later.

Let me be very clear. I am innocent of any involvement in any conspiracy to abduct, kill, or bury Ms. McConville.Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein party leader

Gerry Adams' arrest presents many problems for him, and it undermines his long denial that he was ever a member of the IRA, let alone a local commander who could order the execution of suspected traitors.

Ed Moloney is an Irish journalist who spent many years covering the Troubles. He's also the author of Voices from the Grave: Two Men's War in Ireland, and A Secret History of The IRA.

Mr. Moloney was also unwillingly involved in the release of some of the information that led to Gerry Adams' arrest. We reached him in New York.

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This segment was produced by The Current's Gord Westmacott.

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