Robert McCartney's mother hopes to prick consciences

The mother of murdered Belfast father of two, Robert McCartney today hoped more pressure from senior US politicians would force republicans to help convict her son’s killers.

After a meeting with veteran Democrat Senator Edward Kennedy in Washington, Kathleen McCartney paid tribute to his support.

She said: “He was very supportive and he is genuine about this.

“He would like to see something done to catch Robert’s murderers.

“He said he would see what he could do and put it to (Sinn Féin leader) Gerry Adams when he meets him.”

Robert McCartney was stabbed outside a Belfast city centre bar in January last year in a murder which shocked nationalists on both sides of the Atlantic.

Republicans were accused by Robert’s sisters and partner, Bridgen Hagans, of not doing enough to help bring his killers to justice because they were members of the IRA.

Following a high profile campaign the Provisionals expelled three members and in a statement confirmed that it had offered to shot those responsible, but that was turned down.

Following further pressure Sinn Féin suspended 12 party members after it emerged they were in the bar, and it urged all witnesses to tell the authorities what they saw.

However, with Sinn Féin refusing to recognise the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the flow of information has been slow.

Rather than go directly to the PSNI, witnesses following Sinn Féin’s advice have been encouraged to make statements to a third party, either Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan, or their solicitor.

The McCartney family has said that is not good enough,

The campaign to catch and convict Robert McCartney’s killers has also taken its toll on the family, with them having to leave their homes in the republican Short Strand area of East Belfast following threats.

Jeff Commander, a friend of the family, was also allegedly assaulted by supporters of those who the family claim were involved in the killing and subsequent clean-up of the murder scene.

Senator Kennedy was due to meet Gerry Adams ahead of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the White House.

The Massachusetts’ Senator said after his meeting with the McCartneys that the murder was a defining issue and he paid tribute to them for persevering with their campaign despite intimidation and harassment.

Kathleen McCartney told BBC Radio Ulster that she had decided to go to Washington in the hope that it would prick the conscience of the mothers of those involved in her son’s murder.