Sinn Fein leaders faced a fresh demand from four leading Irish women politicians today to match words with deeds in helping the family of murdered Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney achieve justice.
Following a meeting with the McCartneys in Belfast, Irish Labour Party deputy leader Liz McManus, former Fianna Fail deputy leader Senator Mary O'Rourke, Progressive Democrat Liz O'Donnell and Senator Sheila Terry of Fine Gael praised the dignity, bravery and honour of the family.
"Their actions are in direct contrast to the cowardice displayed by Robert's killers," they stated.
"We also believe there has been a conspiracy of silence from both those involved in the murder and those with knowledge about who was responsible."
"We appeal specifically to the Sinn Fein leadership, and to all women members of that party, to match their words with deeds in supporting the McCartney family.
"It is deeply disappointing that many key questions put by Robert's sisters to the Sinn Fein leadership have not been answered."
Robert McCartney was drinking with a friend, Brendan Devine, in Magennis's bar in Belfast city centre on January 30, when a row broke out with republicans, resulting in violence.
He was stabbed and beaten outside the bar and Mr Devine was also seriously wounded.
The IRA condemned the murder and expelled three members for their involvement in the killing and Sinn Fein has also dismissed two of its members for failing to follow party leader Gerry Adams's call for co-operation with the McCartney family.
The party has also suspended other members.
However Mr McCartney's partner Bridgeen Hagans and his sisters Paula, Catherine, Claire, Donna and Gemma have been unhappy with Sinn Fein and the IRA's handling of the incident.
The family has also been critical of the wall of silence which has developed among the 70 people who were inside the bar.
PA