Gerry Adams was born in Belfast on 6 October 1948. He grew up in a family with strong Irish republican roots. He became involved in republican politics at a young age.

Adams was interned in 1971 as the Troubles intensified. He was released the following year to take part in talks in London between republican representatives and the British government. He later became one of Sinn Féin’s most prominent figures.

In 1983, Adams was elected MP for Belfast West and became Sinn Féin president. In accordance with the party’s policy of abstentionism, he did not take his seat at Westminster. He lost the constituency in 1992 but regained it in 1997.

Adams’s position during the Troubles remained controversial. He has consistently denied being a member of the IRA despite repeated allegations that he held a senior role in the organisation.

His later political career was closely connected with the Northern Ireland peace process. As Sinn Féin president, he was a leading republican political figure as negotiations developed towards the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

Adams remained Sinn Féin president until 2018, having led the party for more than 34 years.