Murder overshadows Sinn Fein conference

The murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney looks set to overshadow Sinn Fein's annual conference today. Seven members of the party have been suspended over the incident

The family of Mr McCartney is today considering its response to Sinn Fein's decision to suspend the seven party members.

Party leader Gerry Adams confirmed that he had been given a list of suspects by the family.

The west Belfast MP said he had asked Sinn Fein to find out if there were members of the party on the list, and on discovering that there were, the seven people were suspended.

Mr Adams said the suspensions were pending the outcome of any legal proceedings over the murder in a Belfast city centre bar on January 30.

Mr McCartney was stabbed to death, and a friend, Brendan Devine, was also seriously wounded after a row escalated into violence.

A number of people who have been questioned about the murder have been released without charge.

Last week the IRA said it had expelled three members following an internal investigation into the incident.

Two of the Provisionals were senior members.

Mr McCartney's sisters welcomed the IRA's statement but have been pressing for Republicans to go further, insisting that more than three IRA members were involved.

The family has been anxious for witnesses to come forward, having claimed in the aftermath of the murder that the IRA was shielding members involved in the attack and intimidating witnesses.

Sinn Fein and the IRA have urged people to come forward with information.

But because of their opposition to new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland, they have stopped short of asking people to go to the police.

They have suggested that witnesses should make statements through their solicitors.