Killers urged to 'come forward'

Robert McCartney, 33, was killed near Belfast city centre

The family of Robert McCartney, killed after a Belfast bar row, have urged his murderers to give themselves up.

Hundreds of people gathered in the Short Strand area of east Belfast for a rally in support of the family, who blame IRA members for the killing.

His sister Paula said they must do "the patriotic thing" and come forward.

"If not they must be pressurised to do so. If these men walk free from this, then everyone in Ireland should fear for the consequences," she said.

The 33-year-old father of two died in hospital after being stabbed near the city centre last month.

On Friday, the IRA said it had expelled three of its members over suspected involvement in the killing, a move the family welcomed but said did not go far enough.

They butchered my nephew, butchered him, and all I'm asking you is hand the 12 over, you've handed three over, hand the other nine over Gerard McKay Victim's uncle

The family carried placards bearing the slogans 'Murdered - who's next?' and 'Where's my daddy?' and were cheered as they prepared to address the rally.

Paula said that the family would not stop until it had achieved "justice for Robert".

"No matter how long it takes and wherever it takes us, only when justice has been achieved can we feel that humanity and decency has been restored and we, the people, can be free of being murdered by the people who claim to work in our name," she said.

On Saturday night a man was released without charge by police investigating Mr McCartney's death after presenting himself to police earlier in the day.

Meanwhile in south Armagh, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has told supporters that he fully supports the family's demands for the truth.

Children attended the rally in support of the McCartney family

"Robert McCartney's murder has shocked hundreds of thousands of republicans throughout Ireland and we are united in our call for anyone with information about the killing to come forward," he said.

"I want to send my support to the rally which is taking place in the Short Strand this afternoon and which is being attended by Sinn Fein leaders in the city.

"Sinn Fein fully supports the family of Robert McCartney in their demand for justice and truth."

However, Mr McCartney's uncle confronted Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey at the Belfast rally.

Gerard McKay, singled out the South Belfast city councillor in the crowd.

"They butchered my nephew, butchered him, and all I'm asking you is hand the 12 over, you've handed three over, hand the other nine over," he said.