Cameron: Sinn Féin should hand over killers
Sinn Féin can demonstrate support for the rule of law in the North by urging its supporters to turn in the killers of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney, David Cameron said today.
In his response to the Queen’s Speech, the Conservative leader reiterated his party’s support for efforts to revive devolution at Stormont.
But the Tory leader told MPs that, in order to achieve that goal: “Sinn Féin must support the police, the courts and the rule of law.
“And they can start by telling their supporters to co-operate with the police investigation into the brutal murder of Robert McCartney.”
Mr McCartney, 33, was murdered in a street outside a bar in Belfast city centre in January last year and a friend was also wounded.
His family blamed republicans for the murder and a cover-up to protect the killers.
At the time the IRA said it had expelled three of its members over their involvement and even offered to shoot those responsible.
But although one man has been charged in connection with the murder, the McCartney sisters – Catherine, Paula, Gemma, Claire and Donna – and his partner Bridgeen Hagans suspect up to 15 took part in the brutal killing.
Sinn Féin’s refusal to endorse policing has meant witnesses are reluctant to come forward to the Police Service of Northern Ireland despite public appeals from Gerry Adams.
The McCartneys have been highly critical of Sinn Féin for refusing to encourage people to go directly to the police with information about the attack.
Mr Cameron met the McCartneys during a one-day visit to Belfast last month.
The family told the Tory leader that Sinn Féin had made no offer to meet them over the past year to discuss the case.
Sinn Féin responded by saying if the McCartneys wanted to meet, they should contact the party.
As the British government prepared to introduce legislation in the House of Commons tomorrow which will bring into effect the St Andrews power sharing plan, Mr Cameron paid tribute to Tony Blair who was taking part in his last Queen’s Speech as Prime Minister for his persistence with the Northern peace process.
“When people look back at the Prime Minister’s time in office, they will give him enormous credit for his unstinting efforts to bring peace in Northern Ireland,” the Tory leader said.
