‘Bizarre, breathtaking, unacceptable and strange’
The IRA’s extraordinary revelation was greeted with shock and revulsion by parties on both sides of the Border and interpreted as reflecting turmoil within the republican movement.
Repeatedly describing the IRA statement as “bizarre” and “breathtaking”, Mr McDowell said it was “unacceptable” and that it was the “strangest” thing he had ever seen from the Provisional movement.
“It is the strangest thing I have ever seen them do because it is the first time I have seen them express a willingness to kill and it’s the first time they have admitted a willingness to break the ceasefire,” he said.
Yet Sinn Féin described the IRA’s statement as a positive contribution as Gerry Kelly said he thought the intervention had advanced the process of bringing justice to the McCartney family. “It has called on witnesses to come forward again. It has said it has ordered its members to bring forward information and I think it is a very strong statement,” he said.
The IRA said the McCartney family objected to the shooting offer and wanted those responsible to come before the courts.
Contradicting the family’s view that 12 people were involved in the murder, the statement said four people were involved - including two IRA members.
The accounts of the IRA’s inquiries into the murder ordered anyone involved to come forward and give a full account.
Also yesterday, Mr McCartney’s sisters confirmed an invitation from US President George W Bush to visit the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
