Sinn Fein suspends seven over McCartney allegations
Sinn Fein has suspended seven of its members over their alleged involvement in the murder of Robert McCartney.
33-year old Mr McCartney was stabbed to death in a Belfast pub on January 30.
His family believes the IRA carried out the murder and intimidated those intending to come forward as witnesses.
They handed Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams a list of people allegedly involved in the murder at a meeting last month.
Mr Adams said if any of the seven were involved, they would be expelled from the party.
The West Belfast MP said the seven had been told “to provide full and frank statements”.
“I am deeply angry about the alleged involvement of a number of republicans in the killing of Robert McCartney.
“All of those involved in this horrific incident must make themselves fully accountable for their actions. Nothing short of this is acceptable,” Mr Adams said.
“I have made clear my support for the family in their search for justice and have called upon those involved in the killing and others with information about the killing to bring this information forward.”
Mr Adams said the list would be handed to the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland by a solicitor.
Two men were arrested over Mr McCartney’s murder last week but both were soon released without charge.
The murder raises questions about the IRA’s continued involvement in violence and criminality in the province. It also comes soon after the £26.5 million Northern Bank robbery which the British and Irish governments are convinced was carried out by the paramilitary group.
On Thursday, SDLP leader Mark Durkan called on the IRA to end the intimidation of potential witnesses.
“The real question is not whether people are suspended from Sinn Fein.
“It is whether or not those responsible for the murder of Robert McCartney are brought to justice. For that to happen, the intimidation that is ongoing has to end – nothing less than that will do.”
Earlier last week, the Provisional IRA took the unprecedented step of expelling three members for their assumed involvement in Mr McCartney’s death.
The statement by Mr Adams comes as his party gets its centennial celebrations at the annual conference or Ard Fheis underway at the weekend.
Sinn Fein says some 2000 delegates are expected to attend the gathering.
