Gerry Adams testified in London's High Court that he never held any role or rank in the IRA. The 77-year-old former Sinn Féin president gave evidence on Tuesday in a civil claim by three men injured in IRA bombings. John Clark was hurt in the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London. Jonathan Ganesh suffered injuries in the 1996 Docklands bombing in London. Barry Laycock was injured in the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester.

The claimants seek £1 each in vindicatory damages. They allege Adams was a leading IRA member, including on its army council, at the times of the attacks. Adams stated he had no involvement in the authorisation, planning or conduct of the bombings. In a witness statement, he denied ever being an IRA member or on its army council.

Adams said his political activities with Sinn Féin since the late 1960s aimed to end the conflict in Northern Ireland. He attended 1972 talks with the UK government as a Sinn Féin representative, not an IRA delegate. He rejected claims by Seán Mac Stíofáin that the group was exclusively IRA members.

During cross-examination by Sir Max Hill KC, Adams said he does not distance himself from the IRA but noted some of its actions should never have been done. He expressed gladness that the IRA has ceased operations and that peace exists. Adams described the Northern Ireland peace process as one handed to the British government with Irish American support.

The trial before Mr Justice Swift is on its sixth day. Adams spent nearly five hours testifying on Tuesday and will continue on Wednesday. He is the sole defence witness after 11 witnesses for the claimants.

Adams served as Sinn Féin president from 1983 to 2018.