Opponents 'trying to demonise SF'

Robert McCartney's sisters received a warm welcome

Sinn Fein's opponents have tried to demonise the party with allegations of criminality, Gerry Adams has said.

Relatives of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney travelled to Dublin to hear the Sinn Fein leader's party conference speech.

Mr McCartney, 33, was murdered on 30 January after a row in a bar. His family claim republicans were involved in the killing and subsequent cover-up.

Mr Adams said republicanism had no place for criminal activity.

Sinn Fein has suspended seven party members over the case.

Mr McCartney's sisters received a warm reception at the conference, where they listened to Mr Adams' keynote speech.

His sister Catherine said they were encouraged by Mr Adams' speech but their only concern was to see the perpetrators in court.

Those responsible for the brutal killing of Robert McCartney should admit to what they did in a court of law Gerry Adams Sinn Fein president

In his speech, Mr Adams rejected claims that Sinn Fein had a different definition of criminality from others.

"We know what a crime is, both in the moral and legal sense, and our view is the same as the majority of people.

"We know that breaking the law is a crime. But we refuse to criminalise those who break the law in pursuit of legitimate political objectives.

"Are we saying republicans can do no wrong? Of course not.

"We need to be as strong-minded facing up to wrong-doing by republicans as we are in opposing wrong-doing by anyone else, but we refuse to retrospectively criminalise a legitimate century-long struggle for freedom."

In recent days, the IRA has expelled three members over Mr McCartney's murder following an internal investigation and Sinn Fein has suspended seven members suspected of involvement.

These men murdered my brother - everyone knows who they are, so they have to be held accountable Catherine McCartney Robert McCartney's sister

Mr Adams said the killing was dreadful and the alleged involvement of some republicans made it a huge issue for Sinn Fein.

"As president of Sinn Fein or as an individual, I could not campaign for the victims of British or unionist paramilitary thuggery, if I was not as clear and as committed to justice for the McCartney family," he said.

"Those responsible for the brutal killing of Robert McCartney should admit to what they did in a court of law. That is the only decent thing for them to do.

Robert McCartney's sisters listened intently to Mr Adams' speech

"Others with any information should come forward.

"I am not letting this issue go until those who have sullied the republican cause are made to account for their actions."

Speaking afterwards, Mr McCartney's sister Catherine said Mr Adams' speech was encouraging but their priority was to see those responsible brought to justice.

She said that until those responsible for the murder and their accomplices were brought to court, "we will not accept that everything that can be done has been done".

"We don't feel this is an issue which should divide the nationalist, republican or indeed any community in Ireland - this is a social justice issue," she said.

"These men murdered my brother - everyone knows who they are, so they have to be held accountable. The only people who can hold them accountable is the judicial system."