Conor Murphy, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Finance, has declined an opportunity to make a public apology in the Stormont Assembly chamber for describing Paul Quinn as a criminal.
The Sinn Féin MLA faced pressure last week over comments he made in 2007 following the murder of the Co Armagh man. Mr Quinn’s family suspect that he was lured along with friends to a farm where he was viciously beaten because he was involved in a row with the son of a senior member of the IRA.
The issue became one of the talking points in the late stages of the election campaign after Breege Quinn, Paul’s mother, called for Mr Murphy to be removed from his post as a Minister over the comments. Sinn Féin faced criticism from its political rivals over its response to the killing.
Mr Murphy apologised for the remarks, while party leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke to Mrs Quinn by telephone. The apology represented a change in position, as prior to that he had denied making the comments.
Butler challenge
On Monday, as he answered questions in the Northern Ireland Assembly chamber, Mr Murphy was challenged by Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler to issue a public apology for the comments about Mr Quinn.
“I made a statement last week and I have written to that family,” Mr Murphy said in response.
Mr Butler pressed further, asking Mr Murphy if he had considered his position as Minister.
Mr Murphy responded: “No, and can I say the incident that he refers to is some 13 years old. Not two weeks ago here, your party leader welcomed my appointment as Minister and pledged himself to work with me in good faith.
“So, you’ll understand if I am being somewhat sceptical about their belated interest in this issue. Certainly, as I have said in my previous answer, I have written to the family, I have made a statement last week and that’s where the matter rests with me.”
Quinns’ anger
Earlier Mrs Quinn said she was angry at claims that she was manipulated as a means of damaging Sinn Féin. The timing of the furore over the murder in the lead-up to polling day was criticised by some.
Speaking on the BBC’s Nolan Show on Monday, Mrs Quinn said: “I am so angry that people are calling into your show to say that you manipulated Stephen [her husband] and I to go on your show just because there is an election on.
“Stephen, if you called us every day this last 14 years, we would appreciate it. Those people, why are they being so angry towards you, so disrespectful towards you. We take all calls from all stations to get justice for our son Paul.
“I could just sit down and cry.” – PA
