The White House will raise questions with Sinn Féin over the killing of
Robert McCartney if the party continues refusing to answer them, the
murdered man's sisters have said.
George Bush's special adviser on Northern Ireland, Mitchell Reiss, has
telephoned the McCartneys to say his thoughts will be with them on the first
anniversary of their brother's murder on Tuesday.
Robert McCartney was beaten and stabbed to death outside Magenniss's bar in
Belfast city centre. Paula McCartney said the family had asked Gerry Adams
to answer 18 questions last April.
"We believe Sinn Féin haven't answered these questions in full and, on
Robert's first anniversary, we are once again asking them to tell us the
truth. We want to know why no Sinn Féin members went voluntarily to the
police or to Nuala O'Loan (Police Ombudsman) immediately after Robert's
murder.
"We want Sinn Féin to tell us if it's aware that statements subsequently
passed to Nuala O'Loan by its members weren't signed. Sinn Féin has to tell
us why its representatives, Alex Maskey and Joe O'Donnell, initially
explained Robert's murder as part of a growing knife culture.
"Sinn Féin says it has answered all our questions but we feel it hasn't. The
matter can be settled if Sinn Féin put its answers in writing, leaving no
grey areas. If Sinn Féin won't do that for us, Mitchell Reiss will ask them
to do it."
On Tuesday, the sisters and Robert's fiancée, Bridgeen Hagans, will hold a
private gathering to mark his anniversary at the couple's Short Strand home.
"It's so family, friends and neighbours can remember Robert with dignity,"
said Paula.
"It's also to say thanks to the many good people of the Short Strand who
have supported our campaign. A public vigil would have been too traumatic
for us. The anniversary brings everything back so strongly."
Catherine McCartney said: "Every day is hard but Tuesday will be even worse.
Sinn Féin says 151 statements have been made to the police and to Nuala
O'Loan about Robert's murder. It might sound good but most of these
statements contain very little relevant information."
On Tuesday, the sisters will return to the murder scene to appeal to the
driver of a blue car, who they believe could be a significant eyewitness, to
come forward.
Terry Davison has been charged with Robert McCartney's murder and Jim
McCormick with the attempted murder of Brendan Devine. Their trial will most
likely take place next year. But the sisters claim that up to 15 people were
involved in the murder and clean-up operation.
"We are determined to see they are brought to justice," said Paula. "We
would appeal, from the bottom of our hearts, for anyone who knows anything
to please come forward. It still isn't too late."
