It was shortly after 10pm when the polls closed last Friday in the south's general election that I received a text message from Gerry Adams, in response to a text I sent him wishing him good luck: "Well, we have 2 in Louth. And we will do well nearly everywhere", he said. I was instantly gripped with excitement and anxiety at such a confident prediction from such a cautious person on such occasions. I thought were it to come true what a personal tribute for Gerry and what a slap on the face for the naysayers in the political establishment and media who try to denigrate him [...]