McCartney sisters vow to keep up fight

THE family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney were greeted by cheers and applause at Dublin airport yesterday when they returned from their visit to Washington, where they met US President George Bush.

Mr McCartney's five sisters, along with Bridgeen Hagans, the 27-year-old partner of the murdered man, repeated their call for action to catch the killers.

However, the family said they were "disgusted" by claims that two of the leading suspects in the murder outside Magennis's Bar on January 30 had key roles in the St Patrick's Day parade in the Short Strand in Belfast.

"We achieved what we set out to get, which is the support of everyone in America for our cause," said Catherine McCartney.

"But more importantly we're back home and what we want is action. It's no good just sitting on the sidelines calmly giving support, we need action not just from Sinn Féin, who created the wall of silence, but also from the Irish and British governments to make sure that they do something so that the wall of silence is broken down."

The McCartney family had planned to run as independent candidates in the forthcoming British general election to advance their campaign to bring their brothers killers to justice.

But Catherine McCartney, a politics teacher, said she would not be running.

"I've decided it's not the best way forward for my cause. Paula (another sister) herself hasn't come to a conclusive decision," she said.

The McCartney sisters were given a Garda escort from the airport's arrival hall to a taxi outside.

The sisters have expressed frustration that the police investigation into their 33-year-old brother's death has progressed no further since they flew out. A PSNI spokesman yesterday confirmed that the murder inquiry was still at the same stage.

"Senior investigating officers have not returned to us with new developments," he said.

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said he was not aware of the family's allegations about key suspects taking part in the St Patrick's Day parade.

"I don't wish to comment until I can confirm the facts," he said.

In Washington, the family met Mr Bush, who said he was 100% behind them and that justice would be done.

They conducted dozens of media interviews and met with US senators such as Edward Kennedy, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton.

Claire McCartney, a 27-year-old trainee teacher, said the family had controlled their grief to maintain their strength.

"I haven't even started to grieve yet. It will hit hard when it does."

The McCartney family are planning to continue their campaign by organising a national petition, holding rallies outside Magennis's pub in Belfast and visiting senior members of the European Parliament.