Adams: I'd no role in Jean killing.

SINN Fein President Gerry Adams yesterday denied any responsibility in the abduction and murder of Jean McConville.

And Mr Adams refused to comment on his alleged role as a senior leader of the IRA in Belfast at the time of Mrs McConville's disappearance in 1972.

He told RTE radio: "That's my position and it remains my position. I can only tell you the truth as I know it."

It is thought the remains of a woman found on a Co Louth beach last Wednesday are those of the mother-of-10.

Mr Adams said he is committed to helping the families get closure and denied suggestions by the family of missing Gareth O'Connor he was using the issue like "pawns on a chessboard".

He added: "I will do all I can to help them. This is an attempt as part of a conflict resolution process to try and bring some closure to a very difficult situation."

He said he was in contact with all the families involved, some of whom are neighbours and friends.

Mr Adams claimed the IRA had reviewed information about the disappearances and passed it on to the authorities.

The West Belfast MP also said he was working to help the family of teenager Columba McVeigh, kidnapped by the IRA 23 years ago.

He said: "This is a hugely sensitive issue, I don't want to raise expectations.

"Maybe there will have to be other ways found for the families to bring closure, I don't know."

Mr McVeigh, from Co Tyrone, was 17 when he was snatched in Dublin.

His mother Vera, 79, told Radio Ulster she hoped renewed contact with the IRA would lead to the discovery of her son's body.

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DENIAL: Gerry Adams