SF suspensions
Sinn Fein lifts five suspensions
Robert McCartney was stabbed outside a Belfast bar on 30 January
Sinn Fein has reinstated five of the 12 party members it suspended following the murder of Robert McCartney.
The party said the 12 had been in or near Maginnis’ bar, Belfast, when Mr McCartney was attacked on 30 January.
Four had since resigned, two been expelled, and a decision on the only member still suspended would be made in due course, a spokesperson said.
Two men were charged in connection with Mr McCartney’s death and remanded in custody earlier this month.
Sinn Fein said it had investigated whether those suspended members had followed party president Gerry Adams’ call for party members to give witness statements.
‘Made statements’
The two expelled members had refused to follow his instructions.
“The remaining six have all made statements to the Police Ombudsman and are continuing to co-operate with her office,” a spokesperson said.
“Five of these have had their suspensions lifted, with immediate effect, as they have complied with Sinn Fein’s direction on this matter.
“A decision on the sixth person will be made in due course.
“Sinn Fein will continue to do all that we can to help the McCartney family.”
Mr McCartney’s sisters and partner have frequently met senior politicians in their campaign for justice over the killing.
They met US President George Bush at the White House in Washington in March and have also met with US special envoy to Northern Ireland, Mitchell Reiss and the Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.
