The sisters of Robert McCartney’s sisters expressed disappointment at the verdict but said they were not surprised.
Catherine McCartney said that if they were honest they would not have convicted either on the evidence they heard in court.
She said: “We are not surprised by it, that would be the truth, we hadn’t got very high expectations.
“Listening to the evidence put before the judge I believe he made the right decision, I believe his conclusions were correct given the evidence put before him.”
She said the blame lay firmly with the IRA and Sinn Féin who, she said, “from day one have obstructed the course of justice and continue to do so”.
“We believe there is still a body of evidence out there that can still be brought forward and we expect Sinn Féin to do what they said they can do despite their having refused to do so up to date.
“Despite saying to the police they would cooperate they have not cooperated whatsoever.”
Declaring “it is not over”, she said she now expected Sinn Féin in the new political dispensation to cooperate with the investigation.
Speaking outside the court she said her brother’s murder remained an “embarrassment” for the British and Irish governments.
Ms McCartney praised Witness C as “being one of the most brave and courageous people in this whole three-and-a-half years”.
She said she would always be indebted to the unnamed woman: “I think she did her best and did a very decent thing.”
Despite the family’s disappointment at the failure to secure a conviction, Catherine added: “As a lay person sitting in that court listening to the evidence we have heard, would I have put someone away on that evidence? No.
“I wouldn’t have so I can’t expect the judge to do so.”
Mr Davison was bundled into a car outside the courthouse without making any comment to the waiting media.
SDLP West Belfast MLA and party policing spokesman Alex Attwood said it was a shocking verdict for the McCartney family.
“This family have carried an enormous burden with dignity and courage and today’s verdict will only add to their hurt. This is a very bad day for justice and a very bad day for our community.”
Serious questions arose and the family and the wider community deserved full answers, he said.
There were always questions about the evidence in the case, he said, but added: “The real issue surrounding the evidence was the failure of people to co-operate with the police. The police have on a number of occasions confirmed that, despite Sinn Fein signing up for policing, no new witnesses came forward.”
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister said the failure to see anyone convicted in connection with the murder would doubtless please IRA and Sinn Féin.
“Throughout, it was their determination that the McCartney family should not have justice as they put protecting their own above all else.
“If Sinn Féin was genuine in supporting the rule of law, then the witnesses necessary to secure justice would have been permitted to come forward.”
A Sinn Fein spokesman said: “The murder of Robert McCartney was a brutal act which was widely and deservedly condemned.
“Sinn Fein have consistently supported the McCartney family in their campaign for justice. We have urged people with any information to bring it forward to the PSNI and will continue to do so.
“It is clear from both the trial evidence and statements from the police that a large number of witnesses have come forward. This is a criminal matter which needs to be dealt with by the police and the courts.”
A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) spokesman said it was a barbaric act.
“The courts have made the ruling today and the focus will now turn to those who have evidence about the crime and as of yet have not come forward to the police.”