Janet Reno Tried to Block Gerry Adams Fundraising

Newly released records reveal that in 1995, U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno sought to block Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams from fundraising in the U.S. due to concerns that the IRA was still attempting to procure weapons. Reno had previously opposed President Bill Clinton's decision to grant visas to Adams and former IRA chief Joe Cahill in 1994, despite the IRA's declaration of a ceasefire. In a February 1995 letter, she expressed frustration over efforts to modify restrictions on Adams's fundraising, citing no evidence of progress toward IRA disarmament. Clinton ultimately overruled Reno, granting Adams a three-month visa that included fundraising permission, sparking anger from UK Prime Minister John Major. Reno's objections highlighted ongoing fears about the IRA's activities and the potential undermining of U.S. commitments to combat international terrorism. The records were part of an annual release from the National Archives in Dublin.