The IRA in its Easter statement said its members are not criminals, and it has done all in its power to assist the McCartney family to bring Robert's killers to justice.
The statement, which carries the P O'Neill imprimatur, did not refer to the IRA's offer to shoot those members centrally involved in the fatal stabbing of Mr McCartney over seven weeks ago.
"The IRA moved quickly to deal with those involved. We have tried to assist in whatever way we can," it said. "Unfortunately, it would appear that no matter what we do it will never be enough for some.
"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.
"Those in the political and media establishments, who have been so quick to jump on the bandwagon, have again laid bare their own hypocrisy. This causes justifiable resentment among republicans. But it must not cloud the issue. Óglaigh na hÉireann expects the highest standards of conduct from our volunteers."
The IRA made no reference to the Northern Bank robbery or the allegations that it is engaged in multi-million money-laundering, but insisted it was not criminal. "Our patriot dead are not criminals."
There was no hint or threat of the IRA potentially ending its ceasefire. Not was there was any suggestion that the IRA was preparing for a radical initiative to help end the Northern political logjam.
It said that from over 10 years ago "until now", it had "demonstrated our continuing support for this process".
The IRA said for the past two years the process "has been locked in stalemate and has slipped backwards into deepening crisis", but blamed this situation on "rejectionist unionism, aided and abetted by the two governments".
The statement, carried in today's edition of An Phoblacht, blamed unionists for rejecting IRA "initiatives" in October 2003 and December last year.
"The DUP attempted to turn the initiative of December 2004 into a humiliation of the IRA," it said.
"The concerted efforts of both governments since then to undermine the integrity of our cause, by seeking to criminalise the republican struggle, is clear evidence that our opponents remain fixated with the objective of defeating republicans, rather than developing the peace process."