
As Joe Biden inched closer to the White House last night, his own much-trumpeted Irish roots were placed under the spotlight. It came after a photograph emerged in which his arm is around an IRA fugitive (centre) with the pair flanked by Gerry Adams, pictured right; who, in a potentially incendiary claim, said he discussed a united Ireland with the former vice-president. Taken just three years ago, the image sparked warnings from UK politicians that Mr Biden needs to be more cautious about who he associates with when he becomes President.