Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams to attend Fidel Castro funeral

Castro 'an admirer of our armed struggle,' says Sinn Fein president

Published 28/11/2016

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Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro who has died aged 90

Gerry Adams will be the only Irish parliamentarian to attend the funeral of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

The TD and Sinn Fein president said it would be an "honour" to represent his party at the service.

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Cuban declared nine days of mourning following the death of the revolutionary at the age of 90 on Friday.
His ashes are due to be taken across Cuba from the capital Havana to the city of Santiago, where they will be laid to rest on Sunday, along the route taken by his rebel army when he swept to power.
Adams described Castro as a "great friend to the Irish people".

 "Fidel was a global leader, part of the revolution that liberated Cuba," he said following the death.

(FILES) This file photo taken on December 07, 2005 shows Cuban President Fidel Castro gesturing as he delivers his speech during a political meeting in Cardenas city, province of Matanzas, some 80 miles east of Havana. Cuban revolutionary icon Fidel Castro died late on November 25, 2016 in Havana, his brother, President Raul Castro, announced on national television. 

"He lived long enough to see the vindication of his people when President Obama commenced the process of normalising relations between the USA and Cuba.
"Much more needs to be done."
"The blockade should be totally lifted."
Mr Adams continued: "I have good memories of meeting with Fidel. He was very conversant with Irish history and good friend to the Irish people and an admirer of our armed struggle, especially the hunger strikers of 1981."
More:
Irish President bats off Castro tribute criticism
PM Theresa May will not attend Fidel Castro's funeral
 
Adams will be the only Irish parliamentarian in attendance at the funeral. Elsewhere British Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed she won't attend with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also unlikely to make the journey.
The British Government is believed to be in talks about how it should be represented.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sinn-fein-president-gerry-adams-to-attend-fidel-castro-funeral-35250773.html