28/02/2005
Hundreds gather for McCartney family rally
Hundreds of people gathered at a rally on Sunday to hear impassioned pleas from the family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney calling for those behind his death to come forward.
The McCartney family, who blame IRA members for the murder, held a rally in the Short Strand area of east Belfast on Sunday to call for the republican group to pressurise those who committed the crime to come forward.
Mr McCartney’s sister Paula said: "If not they must be pressurised to do so. If these men walk free from this, then everyone in Ireland should fear for the consequences," she said.
Mr McCartney's uncle confronted Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey at the Belfast rally and singled out the South Belfast city councillor in the crowd. Gerard McKay said: "They butchered my nephew, butchered him, and all I'm asking you is hand the 12 over, you've handed three over, hand the other nine over.”
Mr McKay was referring to the news that the IRA said it had expelled three of its members over suspected involvement in the killing on Friday.
The family have welcomed the news but said that did not go far enough.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has told supporters in south Armagh that he fully supports the family's demands for the truth.
"Robert McCartney's murder has shocked hundreds of thousands of republicans throughout Ireland and we are united in our call for anyone with information about the killing to come forward," he said.
"Sinn Fein fully supports the family of Robert McCartney in their demand for justice and truth."
Mr McCartney, a 33-year-old father of two, died in hospital after being stabbed at a bar near the city centre last month.
An investigation into the death is still ongoing by detectives.
(MB/SP)
The McCartney family, who blame IRA members for the murder, held a rally in the Short Strand area of east Belfast on Sunday to call for the republican group to pressurise those who committed the crime to come forward.
Mr McCartney’s sister Paula said: "If not they must be pressurised to do so. If these men walk free from this, then everyone in Ireland should fear for the consequences," she said.
Mr McCartney's uncle confronted Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey at the Belfast rally and singled out the South Belfast city councillor in the crowd. Gerard McKay said: "They butchered my nephew, butchered him, and all I'm asking you is hand the 12 over, you've handed three over, hand the other nine over.”
Mr McKay was referring to the news that the IRA said it had expelled three of its members over suspected involvement in the killing on Friday.
The family have welcomed the news but said that did not go far enough.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has told supporters in south Armagh that he fully supports the family's demands for the truth.
"Robert McCartney's murder has shocked hundreds of thousands of republicans throughout Ireland and we are united in our call for anyone with information about the killing to come forward," he said.
"Sinn Fein fully supports the family of Robert McCartney in their demand for justice and truth."
Mr McCartney, a 33-year-old father of two, died in hospital after being stabbed at a bar near the city centre last month.
An investigation into the death is still ongoing by detectives.
(MB/SP)
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13 May 2005
McCartney family threatened by ‘criminal elements’
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney have blamed republicans for threatening to burn them out of their homes and businesses.
McCartney family threatened by ‘criminal elements’
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney have blamed republicans for threatening to burn them out of their homes and businesses.
14 April 2005
McCartney sister threatened in Short Strand
A sister of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney has claimed she was threatened at her home in the Short Strand area of the city. Paula McCartney said a woman told her she would be put out of the area and also that her family had to stop handing out leaflets about a vigil in Robert’s memory when they were confronted by about a dozen people.
McCartney sister threatened in Short Strand
A sister of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney has claimed she was threatened at her home in the Short Strand area of the city. Paula McCartney said a woman told her she would be put out of the area and also that her family had to stop handing out leaflets about a vigil in Robert’s memory when they were confronted by about a dozen people.
18 April 2005
McCartney vigil passes off peacefully
A prayer vigil for murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney passed off without incident on Sunday. Mr McCartney’s fiancé and five sisters held the vigil near the Markets area where he was attacked and killed on January 30.
McCartney vigil passes off peacefully
A prayer vigil for murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney passed off without incident on Sunday. Mr McCartney’s fiancé and five sisters held the vigil near the Markets area where he was attacked and killed on January 30.
06 April 2005
EU President ‘impressed’ with McCartney family
The President of the European Parliament has praised the family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney saying he was “deeply impressed” with the bravery shown in their fight for justice.
EU President ‘impressed’ with McCartney family
The President of the European Parliament has praised the family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney saying he was “deeply impressed” with the bravery shown in their fight for justice.
16 March 2005
McCartney family arrive for meetings in US
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney have arrived in the United States ahead of a series of meetings aimed at highlighting their case for justice. Mr McCartney’s five sisters are expected to meet US Senator Ted Kennedy in Washington followed by talks with Senator Hillary Clinton.
McCartney family arrive for meetings in US
The family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney have arrived in the United States ahead of a series of meetings aimed at highlighting their case for justice. Mr McCartney’s five sisters are expected to meet US Senator Ted Kennedy in Washington followed by talks with Senator Hillary Clinton.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.