MEPs set to urge EU to fund McCartney civil action

The European Parliament is expected to pass a motion later today calling for the EU to fund a possible civil action against the alleged killers of Belfast man Robert McCartney.

The 33-year-old father-of-two was beaten and stabbed to death in Belfast on January 30, allegedly by senior IRA members.

His family has accused the republican movement of drawing a veil of silence over the matter that is preventing those responsible from being brought to justice.

Mr McCartney's sisters were in Strasboug yesterday to hear MEPs debate the motion condemning the killing and calling on the European Council and Commission to fund any civil action they may take against the alleged perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Dublin City Council announced plans last night to host a civic reception for the McCartney family on Friday of next week.