Northern Ireland

Allison Morris: Bobby Storey was a political strategist with clout

Bobby Storey, was arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of mother of ten Jean McConville.  Picture by Justin Kernoghan
Bobby Storey, was arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of mother of ten Jean McConville.  Picture by Justin Kernoghan Bobby Storey, was arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of mother of ten Jean McConville.  Picture by Justin Kernoghan

THE influence Bobby Storey had on the political direction of republicanism, as it transitioned from conflict to peace, was considerable.

He was trusted by the Sinn Féin leadership, including former president Gerry Adams, and respected by the grassroots members enough to bring them along as focus and direction changed.

It has been said that republicans would have lost many more members to the dissident groupings in those early days of the peace process had it not been for the influence of 'Big Bobby'.

His strength was always in the backroom; he was never comfortable in front of the camera.

The west Belfast republican had spent a considerable amount of his life behind bars and was one of the main organisers of the 1983 mass escape.

When released from prison he went straight into political activism and was known to have the ear of Adams.

He was the person nominated to liaise with the commission appointed to track down 'disappeared' victims of the IRA.

This was a role that required speaking to republicans across Ireland, many of whom had long since parted ways with the mainstream movement.

Few figures within republicanism would been able to command enough clout to carry out such a role.

He would also be key to mentoring younger members of the party, many of whom went on to become elected representatives, while he continued in a strategic role.

He was of the old guard and there is no-one of similar stature to fill his shoes. His death following a lengthy battle with ill health will undoubtedly hit the party hard.