Police warn family of new threat

The family of the late Robert McCartney received another threat from republican elements, his sister said yesterday.

Speaking ahead of a civic reception for her family hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin in the Mansion House last night, Paula McCartney said she was informed by police intelligence in the North that there had been another threat on their lives.

"Police intelligence told me by phone this evening that they had received information that republicans had threatened us again," she said.

"We were told, they said, that if we continue to discredit the republican movement we will be harmed."

Ms McCartney said that though she was concerned for her children, she was not frightened by the threats. "You couldn't give in to thugs. It is unfortunate that some people are of the view that this is a campaign to discredit republicanism. It is not, it is solely an issue of justice and human rights."

She said that police in the North appeared to be more confident about the investigation now "in their language and tone" and the family were feeling more confident about it.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, who attended the reception, said he admired the women immensely.

"As long as they are there, they are a standing monument to the brutality of the Provisional movement," he said.

The reception was hosted by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Michael Conaghan, and was attended by Dublin city councillors, city manager John Fitzgerald and other council officials.

The lord mayor said that the bravery, courage and dignity of the McCartney family and Robert McCartney's fiancée, Bridgeen, in their quest for justice for their brother's death has been an inspiration.

"I know that you are serving as an inspiration to all of us and to all families who have lost loved ones throughout our history," he said.

He offered the family the support of Dublin City Council in their search for justice.

The family was presented with illuminated scrolls by the lord mayor and with a sculpture, Soul Boat, designed by Clodagh Reddin.

Gemma McCartney thanked the council and said they appreciated the moral support they were receiving.