Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this important motion. I met the McCartney family last week in Leinster House. I gave them a commitment that I would support them in their efforts to get justice for their brother. That is why in this debate I welcome the opportunity to support them and once again offer my deepest sympathy.

This horrific murder must be dealt with and the perpetrators brought to justice immediately. Regardless of politics, this must be faced. I also ask that the political parties in this House and other places not use the murder of an innocent man to score political points. This debate is about the murder of Robert McCartney and the best way for his family to get justice. I urge those trying to slip in other issues to respect the feelings and sensitivities of the families.

From my experience of working on the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, particularly on the sub-committee on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1972 to 1974, it is important to always put the victims and their families first, at the top of the agenda. I again urge caution, sensitivity and respect for the family's feelings. Sadly, this is not happening at present.

I support the motion but have some sympathy for the amendment. We support the McCartney family. We must also take on board that sections of the Nationalist population, after 30 years of violence, death, destruction and collusion, have problems with policing. This amendment gives them an opportunity to come forward. Hugh Orde today agreed with that position and I believe that some members of the McCartney family support it. Members should reflect on this as we all want the McCartney family to make progress.

Of course, there is one simple solution to this issue, namely, that the perpetrators come forward and give themselves up. This immediately deals with the issue of intimidation and saves the family protracted grief. I would say the same regarding the Brian Murphy case. The people involved should take responsibility for their actions. There should be no fudge on this issue. Let us also remind ourselves of the words of the great Martin Luther King who said:

Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what was done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship.

That barrier will be removed when the McCartney family get justice.

I deplore all sectarian violence and I call for an end to all sectarian attacks in the North. I deplore the fact that the Oireachtas sub-committee on the independent commission of inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1972 and 1973 did not receive co-operation from the Northern Irish and British authorities. I demand that the suffering of all victims be addressed. I call for the removal of all guns from the island of Ireland. Then we will all win and the nation can move forward.

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