Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I support the motion. It is clear from

Second, the nature of the attack was particularly vicious and brutal. The extent of the injuries to Robert and to his friend, Brendan Devine, tells us much about the nature of the person or people who were involved in the attack. Such senseless violence is frightening in the extreme. It is even more frightening to think that the perpetrators enjoy any sort of organised support, but they do. Despite the words and statements, they have not been handed over to account under the law for what they have done.

Third, as cited in the motion, what happened after the attack is particularly deplorable. It seems the perpetrators of this crime had at their disposal a team of skilled and ruthless accomplices who were immediately ready and willing to remove from Magennis's Bar every trace of forensic evidence which the crime had produced. They were able to be that composed, while Robert McCartney and Brendan Devine were left for dead on the street outside and no medical help was sought.

As we know, destruction of evidence is in itself a crime and, as the McCartney family has said, the people who carried out that crime should also be pursued through the courts.

This brings me to the fourth element of the general revulsion at Robert McCartney's murder. In order to secure a conviction in a society which operates under the rule of law, the courts rely not only on physical evidence but also on statements from witnesses. There were many witnesses to this murder but to my knowledge few, if any, have yet come forward to make a statement that will lead directly to an arrest.

The McCartney family believes, and I have no reason to disagree with them, that this is because they have been intimidated or threatened — another crime. Those involved in witness intimidation must themselves be held accountable before the law. Robert McCartney's life was far too short but in that life he obviously inspired great love and loyalty in his family. The solidarity, bravery and dignity of his sisters and his partner Bridgeen have moved us greatly. They have also been the catalyst for a huge reaction within their own community. They challenged the unspoken rule that paramilitaries and those close to them are somehow untouchable. They challenged the idea that anyone, no matter how well connected, should expect to be able to commit murder and get away with it.

The IRA has expelled three members who are believed to have been involved in this crime. They claim to have "advised" them to take responsibility for their actions but this seems to have been advice which has been easy to ignore. Those involved in intimidation and destruction of evidence have attracted no censure from the IRA. I call on all political parties to be unambiguous in their advice to those with information on this case. Intimidation must stop. Those in a position of influence in this regard should make 100% clear that witnesses should come forward and that any threats against them will not be tolerated.

The McCartneys have asked people to co-operate with the police in securing convictions. No party which claims to support the family's position can at the same time refuse to acknowledge the need to co-operate with the police. Witness statements must be admissible in court to be of any use. They should be given to the investigating police. When this is done, we look forward to a day in the near future when the criminals from Magennis's Bar can be brought before the courts to answer for their crimes. Then we can hope that the Short Strand community can be allowed to heal itself, free of the menace of criminal gangs who claim immunity for acting as part of a republican movement but use it as a licence for their own local status and interests. Try though it may, Sinn Féin cannot avoid dealing with this awful deed. Through the members of the republican movement involved in it, they have colluded in the denials and distractions. They have failed to accept the moral clarity required. They have failed to bring their own paramilitaries to book. If those who wield the armalite can so casually damage their own ballot box, and be protected for it, we may reasonably ask of Sinn Féin which they value more. We will have our answer when they lift their reservations and the killers of Robert McCartney stand in the dock and face justice.

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