The parents of a man who claim their son was murdered by IRA members said today they are confident the Irish Government is doing all in its power to bring the killers to justice.
Briege and Stephen Quinn met the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan in Dublin for an update on the Garda investigation into the brutal killing of Paul Quinn (21). They met Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern two days ago.
The Co Armagh family believe Paul, who was beaten to death in a shed in Co Monaghan eight weeks ago, was killed by the IRA because of a personal feud with one of its members and have rejected claims by senior Sinn Fein figures that the incident was linked to fuel smuggling.
The Taoiseach said yesterday there was no evidence to suggest Mr Quinn was involved in criminality.
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Quinn said: "It went very well, very pleased. He (Justice Minister Mr Lenihan) says the Garda are doing their very best, they are working extra hard.
"He's getting a great response from the people in Northern Ireland and the south and he's positive and he's making sure it (the killing) won't be swept under the carpet.
"We're very happy in the days coming up to Christmas that Paul's name has been cleared of criminality. Yes we're very confident (the Government) are doing everything they can. They are working really hard."
The Quinns were accompanied to the meeting by SDLP Assembly member Dominic Bradley.
Mr Bradley said: "There has been a tremendous response to the Garda effort from the people of South Armagh. The guards are very pleased with that.
"We're very pleased with what the Irish Government have said this week through the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, through the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan and through the Taoiseach himself in a statement in the Dáil yesterday.
"The Taoiseach joined us this morning and he reassured Stephen and Briege that the Irish Government would leave no stone unturned until Paul's killers are brought to justice.
"I think this week has been a very significant week in the campaign for justice for Paul," he said.
PA