Sinn Féin have decided that Deirdre Hargey, previously seen (or not) at Magennis’ Bar the night Robert McCartney was murdered, will not be standing as a candidate in the Belfast City Council elections – despite being selected by the party to contest the election. A SF spokesman is quoted in this Press Association report as saying “A decision was taken not to run more on than one candidate in Laganbank”… well, probably not that particular additional candidate..Also in the report, Catherine McCartney wants to know the reason for the decision –
[Robert] McCartney`s sister Catherine said tonight that Sinn Fein needed to give a clearer explanation as to why Ms Hargey was not standing.
“I don`t think it`s that clear why they have changed their plans,” she said.
“Deirdre Hargey only gave a statement to the Police Ombudsman through her solicitor after she and others were publicly identified, even though Gerry Adams had appealed long before that for republicans with information to pass it on.
“If this move is as a result of her response, then I would regard it as a sincere step.
“If, however, they have done this simply because of an electoral strategy, then I don`t really think we have moved forward. It`s really up to Sinn Fein to explain what is going on.”
Yes, it is. Whether they will or not is a different matter.