SF members expelled over killing

Robert McCartney was stabbed in Belfast city centre

Two members of Sinn Fein have been expelled over the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney.

The party said they had been expelled because they refused to follow an instruction to give a full and frank statement about the killing.

The order had been given by party leader Gerry Adams.

A Sinn Fein spokesman refused to name the two members and suggested that doing so could prejudice any future court proceedings.

The 33-year-old father of two died in hospital after he was stabbed following a row in a Belfast bar on 30 January.

Four members of the party resigned following Mr Adams' call for co-operation from anyone who was in and around Magennis' bar. Six members have been suspended until the party's executive meets.

So far, police investigating the murder have arrested and questioned 12 men, all of whom were released without charge.