IRA rape victim Mairia Cahill says her uncles considering legal action against SF president Gerry Adams

SINN Fein chief Gerry Adams is facing the possibility of libel action in the Mairia Cahill sex abuse case.

The Louth TD and former west Belfast MP claimed she was “abused by her uncle”.

The 33-year-old says she was raped by a prominent member of the IRA when she was 16.

He was Marty Morris, an active member of one of the IRA’s so-called ‘punishment squads’ who dealt out shootings and beatings to alleged perpetrators of anti-social crime.

Ms Cahill says Morris was an uncle through marriage.

And some of her 12 blood-relative uncles are seeking legal advice after Mr Adams’ comments during a radio interview at the weekend.

The mother-of-one called on the Sinn Féin leader “to put up, or shut up”, and she says she would like Mr Adams to join her for a debate on the ‘finer points’ of the case.

Last night, Ms Cahill tweeted: “Sinn Fein press office have tonight said that Gerry Adams will not be taking part in a debate with myself.”

A review into how Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service handled three cases of abuse against Mairia Cahill and two other women by an IRA member was released last week.

The report was carried out by former Director of Public Prosecutions in England Sir Keir Starmer QC.

Sir Keir found the PPS failed around strategic planning, management of the cases, and in communication and consultation with the victims.

His review will now lead to changes within the PPS in how it manages cases and the consultation process between prosecutors, police and victims.