No VIP treatment for loyalist victim’s families

THE brutal killing of Robert McCartney by republicans in Belfast following a bar room brawl provoked an outcry that was heard all the way to the White House.

His family were taken to Washington twice to meet with the most influential politicians in the USA, including senators Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton, culminating in a meeting with President Bush.

I take the view that the McCartney killing was used cynically to prolong direct rule in the North. Despite the politicising of Mr McCartney’s death, his family are to be commended for the dignified manner in which they pursued justice for their brother. Like civilised people everywhere, I hope their quest for justice is satisfied.