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A Farther Shore: Ireland's Long Road to Peace
He’s been imprisoned, shot at, denounced, shunned, and banned, yet Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams remains resolute in his belief that peace is the only viable option for the Irish people. Adams led the oldest revolutionary movement in Ireland on an extraordinary journey from armed insurrection to active participation in government. Now he tells the story of the tumultuous series of events that led to the historic Good Friday Agreement as only he with a tireless crusader’s conviction and an insider’s penetrating insight.
In vivid detail, Adams describes the harrowing attack on his life, and he offers new details about the peace process. We learn of previously undisclosed talks between republicans and the British government, and of conflicts and surprising alliances between key players. Adams reveals details of his discussions with the IRA leadership and tells how republicans differed, “dissidents” emerged, and the first IRA cessation of violence broke down. He recounts meetings in the Clinton White House, tells what roles Irish-Americans and South Africans played in the process, and describes the secret involvement of those within the Catholic Church. Then—triumphantly—this inspiring story climaxes with the Good Friday what was agreed and what was promised.
Gerry Adams brings a sense of immediacy to this story of hope in what was long considered an intractable conflict. He conveys the acute tensions of the peace process and the ever-present sense of teetering on the brink of both joyous accomplishment and continued despair. With a sharp eye and sensitive ear for the more humorous foibles of political allies and enemies alike, Adams offers illuminating portraits of the leading characters through cease-fires and standoffs, discussions and confrontations. Among the featured players are John Major, Tony Blair, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jean Kennedy Smith, and Nelson Mandela.
As the preeminent republican strategist of his generation, Gerry Adams provides the first comprehensive account of the principles and tactics underpinning modern Irish republicanism. And in a world where peace processes are needed more urgently than ever, A Farther Shore provides a template for conflict resolution.
In vivid detail, Adams describes the harrowing attack on his life, and he offers new details about the peace process. We learn of previously undisclosed talks between republicans and the British government, and of conflicts and surprising alliances between key players. Adams reveals details of his discussions with the IRA leadership and tells how republicans differed, “dissidents” emerged, and the first IRA cessation of violence broke down. He recounts meetings in the Clinton White House, tells what roles Irish-Americans and South Africans played in the process, and describes the secret involvement of those within the Catholic Church. Then—triumphantly—this inspiring story climaxes with the Good Friday what was agreed and what was promised.
Gerry Adams brings a sense of immediacy to this story of hope in what was long considered an intractable conflict. He conveys the acute tensions of the peace process and the ever-present sense of teetering on the brink of both joyous accomplishment and continued despair. With a sharp eye and sensitive ear for the more humorous foibles of political allies and enemies alike, Adams offers illuminating portraits of the leading characters through cease-fires and standoffs, discussions and confrontations. Among the featured players are John Major, Tony Blair, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jean Kennedy Smith, and Nelson Mandela.
As the preeminent republican strategist of his generation, Gerry Adams provides the first comprehensive account of the principles and tactics underpinning modern Irish republicanism. And in a world where peace processes are needed more urgently than ever, A Farther Shore provides a template for conflict resolution.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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About the author
Gerry Adams
37 books31 followersGerard "Gerry" Adams, MLA, MP (Irish: Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh; born 6 October 1948) is an Irish republican politician and abstentionist Westminster Member of Parliament for Belfast West. He is the president of Sinn Féin, the political party at the top of the latest North of Ireland election polls amidst a three-way split in the traditionally dominant unionist vote. Sinn Féin is the second largest party in the Northern Assembly.
From the late 1980s onwards, Adams has been an important figure in Ireland's peace process, initially following contact by the then Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader John Hume and subsequently with the Irish and British governments and then other parties. In 2005, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) indicated that its armed campaign was over and that it is now exclusively committed to democratic politics. Under Adams, Sinn Féin changed its traditional policy of abstentionism towards Oireachtas Éireann, the parliament of Ireland, in 1986 and later took seats in the power-sharing Northern Assembly. However, Sinn Féin retains a policy of abstentionism towards the Westminster Parliament.
From the late 1980s onwards, Adams has been an important figure in Ireland's peace process, initially following contact by the then Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader John Hume and subsequently with the Irish and British governments and then other parties. In 2005, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) indicated that its armed campaign was over and that it is now exclusively committed to democratic politics. Under Adams, Sinn Féin changed its traditional policy of abstentionism towards Oireachtas Éireann, the parliament of Ireland, in 1986 and later took seats in the power-sharing Northern Assembly. However, Sinn Féin retains a policy of abstentionism towards the Westminster Parliament.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 21, 2015
Having read a few books about the Northern Ireland Troubles, this book drove me absolutely mad. I found it very biased and one-sided and on thw whole barely telling the truth as told by many others involved during the various stages covered by Adams. Granted that it is written from his own point of view, he manages to twist everything to suit his own version of what happened, from who was to blame for the Troubles to how the Peace Process came about. According to Adams pretty much the entire blame rests with either the RUC (who apparantly is a paramilitary not a police constabulary) or the British Army both of whom were in constant collusion with every member of the various Loyalist and Unionist paramilitaries. Now granted that the RUC and the Army did get some things wrong and did occasionally collude with the paramilitaries it was nowhere near the extend that Adams makes out. The other thing I found distinctly irritating was the fact that Adams repeatedly stated that Sinn Fein has absolutely nothing to do with the IRA, which is contrary to many of the other texts I've read (including Joe Cahill's autobiography).
His bias comes through very clearly when he mentions the various acts of violence that occured during the timeframe of the book, with those of the RUC, the Army and the Loyalist and Unionist paramilitaries given in great detail and condemned by Adams whereas those by the various IRA groups and other Republican and Nationalist paramilitaries are barely mentioned, and then only in passing. Overall it was interesting to read Adams' point of view but I did find myself arguing with much of what he said (out-loud on a number of occasions too). This needs to be read with a very large pinch of salt and the reader must bare in mind that it is very very biased and does not give a full or accurate picture of the Troubles and the Peace Process.
His bias comes through very clearly when he mentions the various acts of violence that occured during the timeframe of the book, with those of the RUC, the Army and the Loyalist and Unionist paramilitaries given in great detail and condemned by Adams whereas those by the various IRA groups and other Republican and Nationalist paramilitaries are barely mentioned, and then only in passing. Overall it was interesting to read Adams' point of view but I did find myself arguing with much of what he said (out-loud on a number of occasions too). This needs to be read with a very large pinch of salt and the reader must bare in mind that it is very very biased and does not give a full or accurate picture of the Troubles and the Peace Process.
June 27, 2023
A step by step retelling of the Irish peace process that brought about the Good Friday Accords retold by someone in the center of it all.
This wasn't a biography of Gerry Adams, but it does give a bit of background into how he got into politics and activism, his time in prison, and his attempted assassination before digging into the political hurdles to peace. All the while he takes the time to remember everyone who was being killed throughout the years long process.
Even reading the years of political wheel spinning and negotiations was frustrating to me, so I feel a deep respect for those who had the patience to work through all those years to get to the GFA. This was a really interesting read if you have ever wondered how such big treaties and agreements are hashed out.
I found this passage to be the strong position Adams worked from throughout the book:
"Then and now, my primary objective has been to get the British government to face up to its responsibilities in respect of Ireland. The people of Ireland have a right to be free of the British connection. The British government has no right to be in Ireland. In the absence of any alternative, armed actions represent a necessary form of struggle against the British administration and in pursuance of national independence. There are considerable moral problems in relation to armed struggle, of course, but for those who want an end to armed actions, tackling injustice and the under- lying causes of conflict, and building an alternative to armed struggle, are the only ways to proceed with any possibility of success. For me, as an Irish republican, this means working to bring about a new beginning and building a new political dispensation. I have also argued that a successful peace process means bringing an end to physical-force republicanism.
I believe this is achievable. Our peace strategy is a personal and political priority for me. It is the central plank of Sinn Féin policy, and our main function as a political party."
Adams also addressed the relationship between Sinn Féin and the IRA during this period. At a number of times throughout the book representatives of both groups are negotiating and trying to make space for peaceful negotiations to be made.
"Contrary to the propaganda of our enemies and the perception of others, Sinn Féin is not the "political wing" of the IRA, nor do we advocate violence. The IRA is the direct inheritor of that Irish republican tradition that can trace its roots back to the United Irishmen who rose in rebellion against the British in 1798. In its most recent manifestation, it was born out of the partition of Ireland and the alienation of nationalists in the north."
This wasn't a biography of Gerry Adams, but it does give a bit of background into how he got into politics and activism, his time in prison, and his attempted assassination before digging into the political hurdles to peace. All the while he takes the time to remember everyone who was being killed throughout the years long process.
Even reading the years of political wheel spinning and negotiations was frustrating to me, so I feel a deep respect for those who had the patience to work through all those years to get to the GFA. This was a really interesting read if you have ever wondered how such big treaties and agreements are hashed out.
I found this passage to be the strong position Adams worked from throughout the book:
"Then and now, my primary objective has been to get the British government to face up to its responsibilities in respect of Ireland. The people of Ireland have a right to be free of the British connection. The British government has no right to be in Ireland. In the absence of any alternative, armed actions represent a necessary form of struggle against the British administration and in pursuance of national independence. There are considerable moral problems in relation to armed struggle, of course, but for those who want an end to armed actions, tackling injustice and the under- lying causes of conflict, and building an alternative to armed struggle, are the only ways to proceed with any possibility of success. For me, as an Irish republican, this means working to bring about a new beginning and building a new political dispensation. I have also argued that a successful peace process means bringing an end to physical-force republicanism.
I believe this is achievable. Our peace strategy is a personal and political priority for me. It is the central plank of Sinn Féin policy, and our main function as a political party."
Adams also addressed the relationship between Sinn Féin and the IRA during this period. At a number of times throughout the book representatives of both groups are negotiating and trying to make space for peaceful negotiations to be made.
"Contrary to the propaganda of our enemies and the perception of others, Sinn Féin is not the "political wing" of the IRA, nor do we advocate violence. The IRA is the direct inheritor of that Irish republican tradition that can trace its roots back to the United Irishmen who rose in rebellion against the British in 1798. In its most recent manifestation, it was born out of the partition of Ireland and the alienation of nationalists in the north."
October 5, 2020
This book is well written, but is it entirely trustworthy? Adams was an important player in The Troubles in North Ireland. He was certainly a key party in the Good Friday Agreement and has had an active role in Irish government ever since.
A Farther Shore is as much an autobiography as a history of those days, and of his work in Sinn Fein. This was not an easy time or place or group to be involved in. Adams was an active figure. You must remember, though, that this is the story of that time told by him and through his eyes. Just as an example he talks almost exclusively about civilian Catholics in North Ireland, but rarely mentions any Protestant civilians. For that you have to look elsewhere. (start with Patrick Keene's Say Nothing)
I'm just not convinced that Adams had nothing to do with the IRA. Was he always so ready to work for peace? People to change, they do become more inclined to work with or for peace. He certainly worked hard with the Good Friday Agreement.
A Farther Shore is as much an autobiography as a history of those days, and of his work in Sinn Fein. This was not an easy time or place or group to be involved in. Adams was an active figure. You must remember, though, that this is the story of that time told by him and through his eyes. Just as an example he talks almost exclusively about civilian Catholics in North Ireland, but rarely mentions any Protestant civilians. For that you have to look elsewhere. (start with Patrick Keene's Say Nothing)
I'm just not convinced that Adams had nothing to do with the IRA. Was he always so ready to work for peace? People to change, they do become more inclined to work with or for peace. He certainly worked hard with the Good Friday Agreement.
November 18, 2012
Standing on a Cliff with Adams, we're invited to follow him into his tale of terror, totalitarianism, and a half won triumph. Whatever else one may say about the man, he's bright, articulate, and has a gift for writing. One gets the definite impression that no ghostly hands produced this book, from the ramblings of a fat politition.
Ireland's conflict is sad, and I think we all can agree on this. This is a story, and it's the story as Gerry sees it, or at least, how he wants us to see it. Let's not forget he's a pliitition.
Beause of he, and others, we've moveed toards some sort of peace. Was he involved in the IRA in a more violent roll when he was younger? I'll never know, and many who reads this won't either. That fat aside, he did a service for his country, went through a lot of crap along the way, and sertinly deserves some sort of credit.
It is a long book, but he's covering quite a span of years, and a lot of history. He does twist things to his own perspective, but who does not? It's not suposed to be a book of objectivity; that's for journalists to do, not those involved.
Interesting exersize, look up some of the old debates between mr. Adams, and other people. You'll gt an idea of just how high the blood was running.
Interestingly enough. When I was in my dear conservitive Christian highschool, this stuff was never talked about in world kurrent events.
Stand, ar reader, upon the cliffs of Ireland, and look to sea. Be drawn with Gerry, on his voyage of remberance, and if you nead grain of salt, there's plenty to hand.
Ireland's conflict is sad, and I think we all can agree on this. This is a story, and it's the story as Gerry sees it, or at least, how he wants us to see it. Let's not forget he's a pliitition.
Beause of he, and others, we've moveed toards some sort of peace. Was he involved in the IRA in a more violent roll when he was younger? I'll never know, and many who reads this won't either. That fat aside, he did a service for his country, went through a lot of crap along the way, and sertinly deserves some sort of credit.
It is a long book, but he's covering quite a span of years, and a lot of history. He does twist things to his own perspective, but who does not? It's not suposed to be a book of objectivity; that's for journalists to do, not those involved.
Interesting exersize, look up some of the old debates between mr. Adams, and other people. You'll gt an idea of just how high the blood was running.
Interestingly enough. When I was in my dear conservitive Christian highschool, this stuff was never talked about in world kurrent events.
Stand, ar reader, upon the cliffs of Ireland, and look to sea. Be drawn with Gerry, on his voyage of remberance, and if you nead grain of salt, there's plenty to hand.
January 1, 2012
Mr. Adams' book came across as self-serving. He is clearly a politician but he does present an alternate view of the "Troubles" than portrayed in the media and by the British government. Some of the details of allegations of collusion by the government gave credibility which challenges optimism for a resolution. All in all it was important for me or anyone interested in the Irish process to add to their cache of knowledge on the subject.
October 14, 2008
the peace process from this man's point of view. all the tactical moves by all sides of the conflict are explored and exposed (in some cases)
May 29, 2008
Incredible journey that Gerry Adams' took for peace in Northern Ireland.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews