Assembly to discuss Quinn murder

Paul Quinn was beaten to death in October

The Northern Ireland Assembly is to debate the murder of south Armagh man Paul Quinn next Tuesday.

Mr Quinn, 21, from Cullyhanna, died after being attacked and beaten at a shed near Castleblayney in the Republic of Ireland last October.

His family have blamed members of the IRA - but Sinn Fein have denied this.

Gardai, who are co-operating closely with the PSNI, are pursuing 1,200 lines of inquiry into the murder and have taken more than 400 statements.

The assembly motion, from SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley, notes that the British and Irish governments have made clear they do not believe claims that Mr Quinn was involved in any criminality.

It will also note assessments of Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and the ceasefire watchdog, the Independent Monitoring Commission, that current and former IRA members may have been involved.

On Thursday, the murder was condemned in the Dail.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said it was "pre-meditated savagery" and questioned some republicans' commitment to peace.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan and Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O'Caolain called for witnesses to come forward.