Controversial Irish activist Gerry Adams, president since 1983 of Sinn Fein, the "political arm" of the Irish Republican Army, announced he was stepping down next year. Adams guided Sinn Fein through the worst of IRA violence against British soldiers and protestant activists in the 1980s and ended up being perceived as something of a peacemaker, helping to bring about the Good Friday peace agreement with the British government in 1998. Reuters: Adams said he would be replaced as party president, a position he has held since 1983, at a party conference next year. He would also not stand for reelection to the Irish parliament. "Republicanism has never been stronger... But leadership means knowing when it is time for change. That time is now," Adams said in an emotional speech to a packed party conference. "I have complete confidence in the next generation of leaders," he said. Adams stayed on stage as the 2,500-strong crowd,...(Read Full Post)