Republicans are still shielding the IRA men who murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney, his family claimed today.
As hundreds of supporters attended a prayer vigil in memory of the father-of-two, his sisters alleged the top Provisional suspected of ordering the killing has not been thrown out of the organisation.
Paula McCartney said: "The fact that people are still not arrested, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that they are being protected.
"On the street where it really matters... what is visible is that he (the senior IRA man) is still in the same position and holding the same authority he held 10 weeks ago."
It was the first time all five of the murder victim's sisters and fiancee, Bridgeen Hagans, had returned to the Belfast city centre scene of the killing.
Despite driving rain, the narrow street where the 33-year-old forklift driver was stabbed and beaten to death after a row in nearby Magennis' bar was packed with people determined to show solidarity.
Worlds apart from the glamour of the White House and the European Parliament in Brussels, where the McCartneys have taken their fight for justice, this was an emotionally raw episode.
As Jesuit Priest Father Tom Layden led the prayers, both Gemma McCartney, a district nurse, and youngest sister, trainee teacher Claire, wept openly.
Flowers laid by the victim's two young sons, Brandon and Connolly, at the spot where he was killed on January 30, bore a heartbreaking message.
The simple inscription read: "Daddy, we love and miss you so much. Love you forever, your two wee men."
Alongside those gathered stood SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell, one of the most vociferous in his criticisms of how republicans have handled an issue that plunged their whole movement into crisis.
Senior Sinn Fein representatives Gerry Kelly and Alex Maskey were also said to have attended.
PA