McCartney family meets McDowell in Dublin

The sisters and partner of murdered Belfast man Mr Robert McCartney with Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and Minister …

The sisters and partner of murdered Belfast man Mr Robert McCartney with Minister for Justice Michael McDowell and Minister of State Frank Fahey. Photograph: Elaine Edwards

The sisters and partner of murdered Belfast man Mr Robert McCartney have shown "the extraordinary power which women's voices can have", Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said today.

Speaking as he met the women at Government Buildings today, Mr McDowell said they had not come seeking praise, "though they strongly deserve it and we would gladly give it.

Witnesses have come forward. I would appeal to others who have not come forward to do so now
Gerry Adams

"Instead, they have come to continue their relentless pursuit of justice for Robert who was killed so brutally a few weeks ago," Mr McDowell said.

"That killing and what followed showed us how communities can be callously oppressed and how some people who masquerade as defenders of a community feel they can carry out any atrocity and intimidate their neighbours to prevent justice being done.

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"But these women, with great courage, have said no. They have said that Robert's life mattered and that evil that was done cannot be swept away. They fiercely demand justice and they have shown the extraordinary power which women's voices can have in standing up against wrongdoing and tyranny in their communities," he said.

"Their bravery deserves celebration and I am humbled by their presence here today."

The women are attending a reception at Government Buildings to mark International Women's Day today. They will also meet female members of the Oireachtas during their visit.

Labour's Liz McManus said a number of women politicians, from across the parties, have got together "to welcome Robert McCartney's sisters and lend our support.

"We recognise the significant contribution their stand has made to challenge a chilling reign of terror," she said.

Mr McCartney was stabbed and kicked to death after a pub brawl in a Belfast pub on January 30th. Three members of the IRA were expelled following the killing and seven members of Sinn Féin suspended while it is investigated.

The McCartney women were invited to and attended last weekend's Sinn Féin ardfheis in Dublin and attended Gerry Adams's presidential address on Saturday.

The sisters have also met Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern to seek Government support for their campaign to bring the killers to justice. The family has been invited to join President George W. Bush in the White House on St Patrick's Day.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams today repeated his call for information on the murder. "Despite numerous appeals those who killed Robert McCartney have not come forward," Mr Adams said.

"It is clear that their refusal to do the right thing by the family of Robert McCartney is entirely motivated by self-interest. There should be no doubt about this. There can be no other explanation for their refusal to accept full responsibility for their actions.

"Witnesses have come forward. I would appeal to others who have not come forward to do so now. I would also ask those who have made statements to reflect on the terrible events of that night and to carefully consider whether there is anything additional they can add to their first accounts. Every piece of information is crucial."