In 1983, Adams became the first member of Sinn Fein to be elected to the UK [[House of Commons]] since 1918. Sinn Fein had generally not contested UK elections during that period, as a protest against UK rule in Northern Ireland. Adams is an abstentionist MP, meaning that he has never taken his seat in the House of Commons, consistent with Sinn Fein policy. | In 1983, Adams became the first member of Sinn Fein to be elected to the UK [[House of Commons]] since 1918. Sinn Fein had generally not contested UK elections during that period, as a protest against UK rule in Northern Ireland. Adams is an abstentionist MP, meaning that he has never taken his seat in the House of Commons, consistent with Sinn Fein policy. |