That’s what commentator Malachi O’Doherty told Slugger the day its last statement was released. This latest statment seems to be of a piece with that analysis:
The IRA has spelt out its position in relation to the killing of Robert McCartney. It was wrong, it was murder, it was a crime. But it was not carried out by the IRA, nor was it carried out on behalf of the IRA. The IRA moved quickly to deal with those involved. We have tried to assist in whatever way we can. Unfortunately, it would appear that no matter what we do it will never be enough for some.
The crime is unresolved, and may remain so as long as the Republican movement witholds consent for the PSNI to come into their areas to actively investigate the crime.
Does this mean that the case is effectly closed?
A slightly inhuman presence that bans bad comments and works late at night to remove the wrinkles in Slugger’s technical carpet. You will need to know about the comments policy to stay off the fightin’ side of me and there is a bit of background about me here. You can email me using this spam-proof link if you really need to, and Slugger is @sluggerotoole on Twitter. But above all, remember, Play the ball and not the man.