3.3.05
Belfast Telegraph
McCartney killers sully the cause: Adams
By Ashleigh Wallace
03 March 2005
Those behind the killing of Short Strand father of two Robert McCartney have "sullied the republican cause" and must be made accountable for their actions.
That is according to Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who once again called for those involved in the city centre stabbing to come forward.
Reiterating his support for the McCartney family's quest for truth and justice, the West Belfast MP once again called on those who have information on the murder to make it available.
Mr Adams said: "Although many people have come forward, others have not, particularly some who may have been directly involved in Robert's murder.
"In my view these people must give a full account through whatever conduit they choose. I want also to restate with absolute clarity that whoever killed Robert McCartney should come forward and take responsibility for this. That is what I meant when I said that if I was involved I would make myself accountable to the courts.
"So far, Robert McCartney's killer has not had the courage to do this. Self-preservation and selfishness will not prevail in this case.
"I am not letting this issue go until those who have sullied the republican cause are made to account for their action."
His words were echoed by Sinn Fein Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghin O Caolain.
But he went on to say that calling on witnesses to contact the PSNI "restricts the means by which information may be given in order to help bring the killers to justice".
The office of the Police Ombudsman has offered to assist in the investigation of the murder.
The offer was made as a way of getting republicans not traditionally anxious to make statements to the police to come forward.
Chief Constable Hugh Orde said earlier that he was quite happy for people who did not feel confident about going directly to the police to approach them through a third party.
"I have no difficulty with that, but what we need to do is get the information and then give the people the confidence to go into court and give the evidence,'" said Mr Orde.
McCartney killers sully the cause: Adams
By Ashleigh Wallace
03 March 2005
Those behind the killing of Short Strand father of two Robert McCartney have "sullied the republican cause" and must be made accountable for their actions.
That is according to Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who once again called for those involved in the city centre stabbing to come forward.
Reiterating his support for the McCartney family's quest for truth and justice, the West Belfast MP once again called on those who have information on the murder to make it available.
Mr Adams said: "Although many people have come forward, others have not, particularly some who may have been directly involved in Robert's murder.
"In my view these people must give a full account through whatever conduit they choose. I want also to restate with absolute clarity that whoever killed Robert McCartney should come forward and take responsibility for this. That is what I meant when I said that if I was involved I would make myself accountable to the courts.
"So far, Robert McCartney's killer has not had the courage to do this. Self-preservation and selfishness will not prevail in this case.
"I am not letting this issue go until those who have sullied the republican cause are made to account for their action."
His words were echoed by Sinn Fein Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghin O Caolain.
But he went on to say that calling on witnesses to contact the PSNI "restricts the means by which information may be given in order to help bring the killers to justice".
The office of the Police Ombudsman has offered to assist in the investigation of the murder.
The offer was made as a way of getting republicans not traditionally anxious to make statements to the police to come forward.
Chief Constable Hugh Orde said earlier that he was quite happy for people who did not feel confident about going directly to the police to approach them through a third party.
"I have no difficulty with that, but what we need to do is get the information and then give the people the confidence to go into court and give the evidence,'" said Mr Orde.
