Ahern 'to raise Dublin murder with Adams'

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has pledged to raise the alleged IRA murder of a man with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, a Fianna Fáil councillor said today.

The family of Joseph Rafferty held a 45-minute meeting with the Taoiseach at Government Buildings this morning.

Family members claim Mr Rafferty, who was shot dead outside his home in Ongar, west Dublin, on April 12th, was killed by a member of the IRA after he was involved in a row with the man's family.

They allege they were intimidated by Sinn Féin members for months prior to Mr Rafferty's murder. The party denies the claims.

Nobody has yet been charged in connection with the killing.

Following the meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Garry Keegan said Mr Ahern pledged his full support to the family's campaign for justice.

"In addition Mr Ahern assured the family that he would raise the killing again with the Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams," Mr Keegan said. "The murder of Joseph Rafferty is an affront to everyone who believes in the rule of law, as are the attempts to intimidate the Rafferty family since the killing."

Last week Mr Adams denied republicans were involved in the murder and urged anyone with information to contact the gardai.

"Gardai need to be given every assistance - everyone who has any information to give on this man's very brutal killing should give it to the gardai and co-operate with the gardai."

Mr Rafferty's family has already met Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte.