Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

It is not my custom to become involved, on a regular basis, in commenting on Northern Ireland affairs in this House. I have, however, been very much aware of events that took place there over the years. The brutal and savage murder of Paul Quinn is a reflection on everyone North and South of the Border. It was carried out with military precision by a group of murderous thugs and carefully planned and professionally executed. Out of respect for Paul's parents, who are present to witness this debate, I will not dwell on the pathological savagery and cruelty which occurred in our State on that dreadful night. It is sufficient to say that a young man, a mere teenager, was bludgeoned to death. Regardless of the crime, savages would not inflict it on one of their own.

A family has been left devastated, terrified by the nightmare visited upon it. For the Quinns, there is, as yet, no visible avenue of escape or relief from their terrible ordeal. To add insult to grievous injury, it was alleged that the innocent young victim of this crime died as a result of a feud between criminals. It is to our shame and a sad reflection on every one of us that such a vicious and vindictive spin, which emanated from highly-placed politicians who hold positions of responsibility in Northern Ireland, was initially swallowed hook, line and sinker by prominent politicians on the Government side in the Republic. At least this malevolent version of the atrocity has at last been repudiated by senior Government figures. As far as I am aware, however, it has not yet been withdrawn by its authors. Shame on those who would attempt to slander an innocent victim.

Since this murderous atrocity was perpetrated, a vow of silence has been imposed on an entire community. While a large gang participated in that dreadful orgy of violence, no witnesses have as yet come forward. An omerta in the best traditions of the Sicilian Mafia is in existence. Weasel words have been spoken but there has been no justice for either Paul Quinn or his family. This is not an isolated incident. There was much hypocritical condemnation of the McCartney murder but no witnesses came forward and there has been no justice or closure in respect of it. Approximately 12 miles from where I live in the constituency of Donegal South-West, a man named Denis Donaldson — I did not know him but perhaps other Members did — was murdered in an attack that was carried out with the same military precision as that employed in the killing of Paul Quinn. Mr. Donaldson's murder, which was also publicly condemned, remains unsolved.

Why are all these investigations running into the sand? It is glaringly obvious that community and mind control are being imposed. People know the truth of what happened and they also know who was responsible, but they have not yet been able to garner the courage to come forward as witnesses. This yoke of terror and intimidation must be removed if we are to become a civilised and law-abiding community.

How is it possible to justify the devolution of responsibility for the administration of justice to those who live in a community or an area in which murderers are protected, even if the latter is the result of fear and intimidation? Perhaps the death of Paul Quinn, who lies in a cold grave, might initiate a process that will remove the heavy hand of intimidation from a community and allow its members to live by the accepted standards of decency, democracy and the rule of law. I refer here to civil, not mob, law.

I extend my condolences and my sympathy to Paul's parents, his relations and the members of his community, who, like us, are decent and respectable people. I hope the heavy hand of intimidation will be removed. I also hope that, sooner rather than later, people will come forward to help bring about closure in respect of this atrocious murder.

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