McGuinness accuses police of holding back in murder probe

MARTIN McGuinness last night challenged Northern Ireland’s top police officer to explain why an IRA suspect in the Robert McCartney murder has not been arrested.

The Sinn Féin chief claimed the man, one of three expelled from the Provisionals over the Belfast killing, was turned away by investigating detectives.

As the victim's sisters and partner headed for Washington to urge President George Bush to back their justice campaign, Mr McGuinness accused police of holding back in a bid to inflict damage on his party.

The Mid Ulster MP said: "Their explanation that they are making arrangements to interview the suspect is astonishing.

"They have been raiding homes in Belfast looking for this man yet when he offers himself for interview they turn him away.

"Such a course of action is unprecedented."

A key witness believed to be Brendan Devine, whose throat was cut in the pub brawl attack also offered to give a signed statement, republicans claimed.

Mr McGuinness, who insisted he was misrepresented when he warned the McCartney sisters to stay out of party politics, claimed police were manipulating the case.

He added: "I publicly challenge (Chief Constable) Hugh Orde to explain the handling of this investigation and why charges have not been brought."

Sinn Féin went on the offensive as the McCartney sisters prepared to lobby the US for support. Their hectic itinerary will see them rub shoulders with the cream of Irish America.

The red carpet treatment throws harsh light on Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams's political isolation in America.

President Bush and Senator Kennedy have both shunned him as the republican movement faces a huge Stateside backlash over alleged IRA crime.

Before flying out of Dublin, one sister, Catherine McCartney, dismissed warnings that they were in danger of being exploited.

"We get the impression that someone thinks that somebody's behind this, pulling our strings. The only person behind this is our Robert and he is the person pulling our strings."

As well as the IRA expulsions following the January 30 murder, Sinn Féin has also suspended seven members.

But after Mr McGuinness hit out at the police strategy, his allegations were rejected as distraction tactics.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman said: "This is very much a live police investigation into a particularly brutal murder and it's not appropriate to discuss specific issues concerning witnesses or suspects."