McCartneys decide against election bid

THE sisters of murdered Belfast father of two Robert McCartney have decided against contesting elections as part of their campaign to force his killers into court.

Paula McCartney, whose brother was stabbed and beaten outside a city centre bar in January, said they felt their energies would be best spent focusing on their campaign for justice.

"If we went into the elections, our attention would be distracted by other issues," she said.

"We want to concentrate solely on resolving the issue of Robert's murder. We still have the same momentum, not just as a family I feel people are very interested in how this is resolved because they feel it affects their future as well."

Speculation had been mounting in recent weeks that the McCartney sisters, who last week took their campaign to the White House, could contest local government seats in Belfast in May, or possibly Westminster constituencies.

Both Paula and her sister, Catherine, had been touted as possible candidates.

However, the family had been urged by Sinn Féin to be wary of getting sucked into party politics.

The campaign has led to the expulsion by the IRA of three of its members following allegations that the organisation was shielding some of those responsible. Sinn Féin has also suspended seven of its members.

The McCartney family and police are concerned at the lack of information coming from around 70 people who were in Magennis's bar when a row broke out leading to the vicious attack which also resulted in the wounding of Brendan Devine.

Among those present were former SF Assembly election candidate Cora Groogan, former Belfast councillor Sean Hayes and local election candidate, Deirdre Hargey.

All have given statements to their solicitors, which were passed on to the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.

Sinn Féin leaders have issued a series of statements supporting the family's quest for truth and justice.

But because of Sinn Féin's reluctance to endorse the PSNI, the party has urged witnesses to provide information to solicitors to pass on to the ombudsman.

The McCartneys have asked people to directly contact police or The Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman' office, whose investigators are helping the investigation.