**Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has revealed that his late father subjected family members to emotional, physical and sexual abuse over many years.**In a statement, Mr Adams said the family made the discovery in the 1990s and were still trying to come to terms with what happened.
“This discovery and the abuse which preceded it have had a devastating impact on our entire family,” he said.
“We live with the consequences every single day.”
"We have been dealing with this with the support of a number of professionals who have the expertise to deal with these matters. We thank them for their help.
"Abuse of any kind is horrendous but sexual abuse particularly of a child, is indescribably wounding and heartbreaking.
"Our family have debated for some time whether we should publicise our father’s abusive behaviour.
"We do so now in the hope that in time, this will assist the victims and survivors to come to terms with what happened and help them to move on from these dreadful events.
"All citizens need to be educated and children need to be listened to, empowered and protected.
"Many people in other families have suffered from abuse. Our family knows how deeply hurtful and traumatic that can be.
“No-one should have to deal with abuse or its consequences in isolation.”
On Friday, Mr Adams appealed for his brother, Liam, to hand himself over to the police to answer allegations of sexual abuse.
It is understood that an arrest warrant was issued for Liam Adams a year ago.
It was issued for failing to appear at a preliminary court hearing to answer questions about alleged sexual offences against his daughter, Aine Tyrell.
She spoke publicly of her accusations on UTV’s Insight programme on Friday night.