Taoiseach welcomes MEPs’ vote on McCartney motion

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has welcomed the European Parliament's move to back any civil case that may be taken against the killers of Belfast man Robert McCartney.

MEPs passed a motion today calling for EU anti-terrorism funds to be used to fund any civil action that may be taken by the dead man's family.

Responding to the vote, Mr Ahern praised the McCartneys' campaign to highlight the case and bring their brother's killers to justice.

He said he hoped the European Parliament's move would ensure that the avenue of a civil case was open to the family if criminal proceedings cannot be brought.