Mr Robert McCartney QC MP

In an article headed "Small men of Stormont put party politics before peace" which appeared in the editions of January 27th, 1997, and which was written by David Ervine of the Progressive Unionists, it was alleged by Mr Ervine that Robert McCartney QC, Member of Parliament for North Down, had been insincere and guilty of chicanery when he had stated that he was laying aside his legal practice in order to serve his constituents and concentrate on his political career. The article was published in good faith but it has since been pointed out, and we fully accept, that there is no foundation whatsoever for this allegation and that Mr McCartney has unequivocally complied with his stated intention. We greatly regret that such an allegation was published in this newspaper and we apologise unreservedly to Mr McCartney for the distress and embarrassment caused to him by the publication of this allegation. It is our intention to pay appropriate damages to Mr McCartney on foot of this libel.