The Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has admitted there was unease within his party over his decision to pass information to the police ombudsman in relation to the killing of Robert McCartney.
During an interview on The Week in Politicson RTE Mr Adams said he was "duty bound" to suspend without prejudice members who had been named by the McCartney family.
He also said an expulsion process would begin against suspended members unless they made "full and truthful" statements on the murder.
Mr Adams also accused opponents of exploiting the McCartney killing and the Northern Bank robbery for political gain.