ADAMS SAYS McCARTNEY KILLERS MUST BE MADE ACCOUNTALBE

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams has said he will not let the issue of Robert McCartney's murder go until his killers are made to account for their actions.

The party's president was speaking at a rally in Derry to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising.

Mr Adams said he was annoyed a small group of individuals were not prepared to face up to their responsibilities.

Mr McCartney, 33, was stabbed to death after a row in a bar near Belfast city center on 30 January.

His family has blamed IRA members for his murder and intimidating witnesses.

Mr Adams told those gathered at the event that many republicans and nationalists felt Mr McCartney's murder had been "cynically exploited to undermine republicanism".

"What annoys me the most is not the criticism from the two governments, our political opponents, or those sections of the media who are clearly delighted to have a go at us," he said.

"If those who fear the growth of Irish republicanism are given an opportunity to undermine it they will take that chance. What annoys me the most is that a small group of individuals are not prepared to face up to their responsibilities. Instead these cowardly individuals will allow an avalanche of propaganda aimed at criminalising republicanism. So let me be clear - I am not letting this issue go. Whatever way people feel about how the McCartneys are running their campaign, this family have the right to truth and justice."

Sinn Fein has suspended seven of its members while the police investigation into Mr McCartney's murder takes place.