McCartney family welcomes IRA statement
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney has welcomed the IRA's call for anyone with information about the murder to come forward.
In a statement last night, the IRA said the murder was contrary to republican ideals and anyone who could help bring the killers to justice should do so.
The McCartney family had accused the IRA of sheltering the killers and of intimidating witnesses to prevent them coming forward.
A leading IRA figure was allegedly involved in the killing of Mr McCartney, who was stabbed to death during a row at a pub in Belfast on January 30.
Speaking at a press conference in Belfast today, his sister, Paula, said: "We welcome the IRA statement and view it as removing obstacles to witnesses who were afraid to come forward with vital information and evidence."
