Robinson To Meet With Michael McConville

First Minister Peter Robinson has said he will meet with Michael McConville over his mother Jean's abduction and murder in 1972.

Jean McConville was murdered by the IRA and buried on a beach in County Louth, where her body was discovered in 2003.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was released on Sunday evening following four days of questioning over the murder. Deputy First Minister described Mr Adams' detention as "political policing" and questioned its timing in light of upcoming elections.

Mr Robinson has said he is arranging to meet with Michael McConville and that no one in Northern Ireland should feel they are above the law.

"Whilst Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin have been playing the victim, it is important to remember that the real victims are the McConville family," he said. "Ten children were left orphaned and have never received justice. This was a horrific and brutal crime.

"I plan to meet Michael in the coming days and discuss how I can be of any help to him and the wider McConville family."

The First Minister also said the fact that Gerry Adams was questioned for four days "demonstrates that this was a serious and significant element of the police investigation.

"It is important to note that the investigation is ongoing and now lies with the PPS to take forward," he said. "No one should be trying to influence or pressurise this Office to reach a particular outcome.

"The PSNI decision to arrest Adams has sent out a clear message that no one is above the law. In recent days, some have expressed a desire to draw a line under ‘the past’. I disagree. Victims should always have access to justice and criminals should always fear justice will catch up with them."

(IT/MH)