Adams' "slightly constitutional" Sinn Fein now takes over 16% of the vote and may overtake John Hume's SDLP. This has taken years and this biography portrays Adams as a cold and ruthlessly efficient tactician in purging opponents, marking out and occupying new ground.
But it remains unknown whether this enigmatic warlord - one of the most experienced in the world - will use his undoubted pragmatism and political skills in the current political talks to scale down Provo expectations or whether the whole basis of the current peace process is an illusion. War or peace?
This biography is necessarily limited by libel laws and the refusal by Adams or Sinn Fein to co-operate. One day, the full story may emerge. Will the real Mr Adams then stand up?

Gary Kent. The author is the Westminster Correspondent of the Belfast based Fortnight Magazine.
Inside the IRA
book review for Tribune