The family of Robert McCartney said yesterday (Sunday) that they believe the expulsion of an IRA
member in connection with the death of their brother is a farce.
Speaking at a prayer vigil for Mr. McCartney at the spot where
he was murdered, the dead man's sister Paula described as "not genuine"
the expulsion of a well-known republican who, the family claim, gave
the order to murder their brother.
Stating her belief that the lack of arrests over her brother's
murder indicated that those involved are being protected by the IRA,
Paula said, "On high levels it has been said that they have expelled
this man, but on the streets where it really matters, that's not
visible.
"What is visible is, he is still in the same position and holding the same authority that he had ten weeks ago.
"The family had it on good authority that the senior republican
involved in Robert's murder did in fact give the order for that
murder," continued Paula. "When you live in Northern Ireland there's certain things that you
know, you know by this man's behaviour and by who he is associating
himself with, that the expulsion isn't genuine."
Adding her disappointment at what the family feel is a lack of
support from Sinn Féin, Paula added that she believed the party had not
done enough to bring Mr. McCartney's murderers to justice.
Leading the vigil service, which saw around 200 people turn
out to pray for the dead man despite appalling weather. Father Tom
Leydon of St Malachy's Church conducted a decade of the rosary at the
spot where Robert McCartney was murdered in an alleyway adjacent to
Magennis's bar.
Joined by the McCartney sisters, but with Robert's partner
Bridgeen Hagan notably detached from the united front, Father Tom
Leydon prayed for the soul of Mr. McCartney and for those he had left
behind saying, "We gather here today to remember Robert and to ask that
he would rest in the peace of the risen Lord, we pray for the
consolation of his family and friends." And adding a thought for the
many who have died as a result of the Troubles, Father Leydon said a
further prayer for all those who have died as a result of violence in
the North of Ireland.
Describing the significance of the rosary, and telling of the
strength that can be found through prayer and the Holy Spirit, Father
Leydon spoke poignantly to all assembled saying, "Lord our God, you are
always faithful and quick to show mercy, our brother Robert was
suddenly and violently taken from us, come swiftly to his aid, take
mercy on him and comfort his family and friends."
Speaking after laying flowers at the spot where Robert died,
Paula McCartney said she was moved by the number of people who had
turned out to the vigil on such a bad day and added, "it just proves
that the majority of people know right from wrong, and these people
here today are obviously not afraid to stand on the side of right."
Adding her disgust at the recent alleged intimidation suffered
by the family, Paula said she was disappointed by the actions of those
involved but added that nothing would hinder the family's campaign to
find justice for their brother. "There was an incident during the week
that we believe was designed in some way to damage the campaign but as
you can see it has not worked and will not work."
When asked if the family would meet with Irish Minister for
Justice Michael McDowell during his visit to the north tomorrow, Paula
McCartney reiterated her earlier comments, claiming that she had had no
idea that the minister would be visiting and added that the family had
no plans to meet with the TD.
Attending the vigil, SDLP Councilor Alisdair McDonnell shared
his sympathy with the McCartney sisters, but when asked by the
Andersonstown News for his thoughts on the turn-out he said he had no
comment to make.
A similar vigil is planned for Dublin in the next few weeks,
as well as meetings with the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, and US
Special Envoy Mitchell Reiss.
