Four women members of the Oireachtas have appealed to women members of Sinn Féin to assist in bringing Robert McCartney's killers to justice.
Three Irish politicians travelled to Belfast yesterday to meet the McCartney sisters and Robert McCartney's fiancée, Bridgeen. Labour TD Liz McManus, Senator Mary O'Rourke (FF) and Senator Sheila Terry (FG) met the family in the Short Strand in east Belfast yesterday.
The three politicians and Liz O'Donnell TD (PD) afterwards issued a statement supporting the family and specifically calling on the Sinn Féin leadership - and more particularly women Sinn Féin members - to assist the family in making the killers accountable before a court of justice.
"The McCartneys have conducted themselves with bravery, dignity and honour during their campaign for justice.
"Their actions are in direct contrast to the cowardice displayed by Robert's killers," they said.
"We also believe there has been a conspiracy of silence from both those involved in the murder and those with knowledge about who was responsible. This has frustrated the police investigation and ensured that Robert's family are no closer to seeing those who committed this appalling crime brought to justice," they added.
"We appeal specifically to the Sinn Féin leadership, and to all women members of that party, to match their words with deeds in supporting the McCartney family. It is deeply disappointing that many key questions put by Robert's sisters to the Sinn Féin leadership have not been answered.
"Until these matters are resolved, until criminal proceedings are brought against those responsible, and until justice is done for Robert's death, we will continue to work with and support the McCartney family."
