Ó Caoláin says Quinn killing 'despicable'

Dáil Report:It would be totally irrelevant if anyone involved in the murder of Paul Quinn in Co Monaghan claimed to be associated with republicanism because his killing "criminalises anyone who took part in it, irrespective of what politics they hold or may have held", Sinn Féin Dáil leader CaoimghíÓ Caoláin said.

However, he rejected renewed allegations of IRA involvement and said the question of whether Mr Quinn "may or may not have been involved in criminal activity" had "no bearing whatsoever on the heinousness of the crime of murder committed against him".

It was a "despicable act of brutality and murder carried out by people who deserve only the contempt and the condemnation of society".

He was speaking during a Dáil debate on the beating to death in October of the 21-year-old from Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, who was lured from his home to a shed at Oram, Castleblayney, where he was attacked by a gang of up to 14 men. His murder provoked a shocked outcry and his family and supporters have campaigned to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore his reputation, rejecting any allegation that he had been involved in criminality. Members of his family observed the Dáil debate from the public gallery.

Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan, referring to allegations of IRA involvement, said the Garda "has no information to suggest this attack was authorised by, or carried out on behalf of, that organisation". The Garda with the PSNI was carrying out a very intensive investigation. "This investigation is complex but it is very much live and ongoing."

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Mr Quinn's murder was "a litmus test of the peace process", which "cannot continue if it delivers bad justice". He said that "the murder of Robert McCartney in Belfast was a spontaneous eruption of violence inside and outside a public house after an incident but the murder of Paul Quinn was an act of premeditated and organised savagery". Certain people "know who was involved in this murder and who gave the instructions and ordered that people were to be on watch when the late Paul Quinn arrived in the farmyard in question". He said "if there is to be any legacy" from this murder "it should be the complete disbandment of the IRA".

Liz McManus (Lab, Wicklow) said she had "little doubt members of the Provisional IRA carried out the attack on Paul Quinn and were responsible for his murder. I do not know if the murder was sanctioned at a higher level but regardless of this, the provisional movement has an obligation to face up to its responsibilities. Do they stand with the murderers of Paul Quinn or do they stand with the Quinn family and the people of south Armagh?"

Seymour Crawford (FG, Cavan-Monaghan) said the meetings in Castleblayney and Crossmaglen organised by family supporters "were illuminating as for the first time in the history of the Troubles, people were prepared to speak openly and show their support".

Dr Rory O'Hanlon (FF, Cavan-Monaghan) said there was "now an opportunity to re-establish the rule of law in south Armagh. We must all work together, including the people in the locality and those in the wider Border area. The two governments must grasp the opportunity that exists because it may not last."