Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said that his arrest over the 1972 murder of Jean McConville was wrong, but he still supports the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

In a press conference on his release, Adams said:

“While the past needs to be dealt with and Sinn Fein is up for doing this, including the issue of victims and their families, there can be no going back. There’s no possibility of going back.

Peace needs to be built with a determination and a consistent focus.

That remains my intention, my commitment, and Sinn Feins constant endeavour

I bear no animosity to anyone. I no wish to be treated differently from anyone else.”

He continued:

“I’ve never disassociated myself with the IRA, and I never will. But I’m glad that I an others have created a peaceful and democratic way forward for everyone. The IRA is gone, finished…

I want to make it clear that I support the PSNI.”

Adams was careful to avoid increasing tension in Northern Ireland, with the aim of averting any violent clashes. However, a number of petrol bombs and stones were thrown at police during trouble in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast overnight.

The family of Jean McConville, who was abducted in front of her children in 1972 before being executed by the IRA, have vowed to continue to fight to bring her killers to justice.