Adams promises action over McCartney murder
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has pledged to support a family’s battle for justice, after Belfast man Robert McCartney was allegedly killed by the IRA.
The murder has dominated the Sinn Fein annual conference in Dublin.
Mr Adams told Mr McCartney’s five sisters, invited to attend by the Sinn Fein leader, that he would not be satisfied until justice was done.
“Those responsible, and there’s no way out of this, for the brutal killing of Robert McCartney should admit to what they did in a court of law,” he declared.
“That is the only decent thing for them to do. Others with any information should come forward.
“I’m not letting this issue go till those who have sullied the Republican cause are made to account for their actions.”
The IRA have expelled three members over the killing and Sinn Fein has suspended seven, pending investigation.
However, the party has stopped short of urging witnesses to go to the police. It has instead suggested that witnesses go to the office of the police ombudsman.
Father-of-two Mr McCartney was stabbed to death in a Belfast bar in January and there have been frequent accusations that his killers have intimidated witnesses. Mr McCartney’s sisters have launched a public fight for his murderers to be brought to justice.
“We got a very warm welcome from those in that hall today and we would like to thank them for that,” Catherine McCartney said after Mr Adams’ speech.
“But our bottom line is that until those responsible for our brother’s death appear in court, we will not accept that everything that can be done has been done.”
Gerry Adams’ personal rating has been badly hit by the McCartney killing and by claims that Sinn Fein bosses sanctioned the £26.5million bank robbery at Christmas.
