IRA again deny involvement in McCartney murder

The IRA has again reiterated its stance that it was not behind the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney in January.

In its Easter statement published in the republican paper An Phoblacht on Tuesday the republican group said that Mr McCartney’s crime was wrong.

“The IRA has spelt out its position in relation to the killing of Robert McCartney. It was wrong, it was murder, it was a crime. But it was not carried out by the IRA, nor was it carried out on behalf of the IRA,” the statement read.

"The IRA moved quickly to deal with those involved. We have tried to assist in whatever way we can. Unfortunately, it would appear that no matter what we do it will never be enough for some.”

Last week, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness claimed that the family of Mr McCartney, who have been to Washington in their fight for justice, were being politically manipulated as they continue the search for truth into their brothers death.

Mr McGuinness said “politics rather than justice” was driving the PSNI investigation and that those who have been vocal in support of the McCartney family “need to put some searching questions to the PSNI”.

Mr McCartney, 33, was killed after a bar row in Belfast on 30 January.

(MB/SP)