Minister Dermot Ahern condemns intimidation of McCartney family

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern T.D. today said:

“I am very concerned at reports of protests and pickets outside the home of members of the McCartney family last night. Such intimidatory tactics are unacceptable and should not be repeated. Officials from the Secretariat in Belfast are also actively working to ascertain the full facts as regards the injuries to relatives and acquaintances of the late Robert McCartney on Sunday night.  We are maintaining contact with the family. 

“The Government has consistently condemned all forms of violence and intimidation, and we do so again in this instance in the strongest terms. The McCartney family has already suffered greatly and it is therefore extremely worrying to learn of this latest incident.

“The PSNI is of course investigating the case and I would call on anyone with relevant information to pass it onto the Police. Only through cooperation with the Police can violence and intimidation be eradicated from society in Northern Ireland.”

ENDS+++
14 September 2005