You can bring peace, Bush tells McCartneys

US PRESIDENT George W Bush told the McCartney sisters in Washington yesterday that their campaign to find their brother Robert’s killer could bring peace in Northern Ireland.

Following a meeting with Mr Bush in the White House at the traditional St Patrick's Day ceremony, the five McCartney sisters and Robert's partner, Bridgeen Hagans, said they were heartened by what they heard and encouraged things would change.

Paula McCartney said Mr Bush had an understanding of their case and was fully behind them.

"He said he believed that the result of this could bring peace in Northern Ireland," Paula McCartney said.

Her sister Catherine said they had come to Washington to dispel any romantic vision of the Troubles. "If anyone has been listening to what we have been saying, at least the romantic view has been damaged, if not dispelled," she added.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Mr Bush told him the US administration would do all it could to help the McCartney family campaign for justice. "President Bush spoke particularly to Bridgeen Hagans, Robert's partner and said he was glad they were here and he was able to show solidarity and support for them," Mr Ahern said.

He said the McCartney family's campaign had put the demand for an end to IRA criminality on the world stage. But Mr Ahern warned that if there is no action on this demand the Irish may not be back in Washington next year.

"People want to see we're going to get action because if we don't, let's be frank about it, the icy reception of this week will turn into total exclusion which is the opposite of what I want to achieve," Mr Ahern said.

He added that Mr Bush, who also met Ann McCabe, the widow of the late Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, shared his frustration with the deadlocked peace process.

Mr Ahern said he had spoken to Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams on Wednesday, in Washington. Mr Ahern told Mr Adams events since December 20 have crystallised what must be done.

"I said the only way through all of this and to bring a democratic peace to Northern Ireland is the full implementation of GFA (Good Friday Agreement) and that means Sinn Féin and the IRA honouring all its responsibilities," Mr Ahern added.

The Taoiseach said Mr Adams told him that he shared that position. "But we must see that being delivered the McCartney family have said a good way to do that is to bring to justice the murderers of Robert," Mr Ahern added.

Mr Ahern said he would like to see progress before Easter and the Government would be prepared to meet Sinn Féin again after Easter.

Mr Adams said he welcomed the opportunity to meet the Taoiseach.

"Hopefully we can collectively resolve the outstanding issues," Mr Adams said.