This is a second page of your views on whether the Northern Ireland peace process has been damaged.
How much damage has been done to the Irish Republican movement and its relationship with Irish America? What do you think is the future for Sinn Fein, the IRA and the Northern Ireland peace process?
This is the second page of your comments:
I don't see how visiting a mass murderer in America will help to solve a murder in Ireland.
Gary Chiles, Wellington, New Zealand
It's strange that all of these comments seem to contradict each other so. It enforces the complete lack of understanding of the current situation her in N. Ireland. We all have our own opinions and we exercise them when we vote. Perhaps people should stop for a second and ask why so many people voted for Sinn Fein in the last elections or are you accusing us all of being blinkered by IRA romanticism? The interesting part of this comment may be that I am English born and bred and live here because I believe, and still do, that Ireland is a great place to live and to bring up a young family. We are sorry for the McCartneys' loss but perhaps they should mourn their loss instead of trying to solve a country's political difficulties or perhaps they should run at the next elections to see just how many people think they are doing the right thing!
Darren, Derry, Northern Ireland It is sad that he was killed and it is sad that so many people around the world are being killed for political and many other reasons. But, why is it going to Bush while the UK government (and the EU, if required) is still alive? Since when does the UK or Belfast come under the US jurisdiction?
Gita, India
It's about time the Americans woke up to the fact that the IRA, which they have been supporting for so many years, are terrorists. Good luck to the sisters.
Ross , London, UK
Well done those magnificent ladies. They have called the bluff of Sinn Fein and the IRA - two linked organisations. And at last some politicians in the USA have seen the folly of their previous support. How much did that far-too-long naive support set back the process of sorting out the NI terrorists? It wouldn't have happened if it had been in their backyard!
Mike, Bucks, UK
As a Catholic I would like to think the sisters and fiance of Robert McCartney deserve to go down in the history of Irish politics, as they have through their courage dealt a more devastating blow to the bullying cowards of the IRA, than the combined efforts of the SAS, and consecutive British and Irish governments. Let's hope this brave family will now appear on the gable walls of Belfast. They have done more to achieve peace than 800 years of politics and murders.
Maurice, Leeds, England
If Americans have in the past viewed Sinn Fein as being 'romantic', it was partly due to the fact that, up until these brave women, there were no Irish voices who spoke out loud enough against them. Sinn Fein - from this part of the world - seemed to be the only Irish voice. What the McCartney sisters are doing is long overdue. God bless them for their courage!
Anemone, New Hampshire
 |  Just live and let live, what's really so hard about that? |
When are we going to realise that we could all live peacefully if we just respected each individual's right to worship what or who he likes? I've been watching the Irish fight each other for 35 years, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who have been for longer, and how have we progressed? Not by much, still arguing, still violent, still crying off to the USA. It really is pathetic when all everyone wants is peace. Just live and let live, what's really so hard about that?
Pete, Dublin Nice to see the Americans wanting the IRA to close down. Do they intend apologising to the families of those killed by weapons paid for by funds collected by NORAID in the States with active support of US politicians?
Dallas Reid, Hong Kong
The IRA offer was filled with self-delusion. McGuinness and Adams cannot put aside their past brigades. Loyalist politicians seek to score points. It takes a family of a victim to talk sense, as it was with the peace movement in the 70s, although meeting with Senator Clinton would just be photo opportunity for her.
James O'Connor, New York, USA
I love the Irish and pray for their coming together in peace. Sinn Fein must stand up and do what is right here, set the example, or go backwards for another 20 years... The Irish are better than that!
David Brinker MD, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mr McGuinness' comments are disturbing, because they appear to be directed at the wider republican community rather than at the McCartneys. If I understand him right he is saying that if this event affects the SF vote, then all republicans will lose - because the possibility of MM and GA being out of a job after the elections no longer gives the IRA a say in the peace process. What Mr McGuinness is asking NI republicans to do is 'turn a blind eye' - just like they have for the past thirty years. Perhaps he should credit the electorate with a little more intelligence?
Bart Hulley, London, UK
The IRA and Sinn Fein's struggle is a legitimate one. How come all of sudden nobody is criticising the deaths and abuses caused by the loyalists? As for the McCartney's, their efforts are bold, but they will be shocked by the lack of knowledge or complete ignorance of the American public with regard to international affairs, that their campaign will have any impact at all.
JK Irwin, Kennesaw, Georgia
| There will never be credibility for the Republican cause with the likes of the present Sinn Fein leadership guiding the process |
The IRA should have always been marginalised. They exist so they cannot be ignored, but we should never have given them credibility by allowing them into any peace process whilst they continued with threats, beatings and murder. It is similar to feeding a rabid dog with your bare hands. Now is maybe the time to give people like the McCartney family full support for their political aspirations. There will never be credibility for the Republican cause with the likes of the present Sinn Fein leadership guiding the process.
Noel Dobson, N Yorks Sinn Fein is perfectly capable of making the peace process work by itself. All it has to do is give up the criminal activities of the IRA and take on the constructive role of a peaceful political party. Jerry Adams seems to be falling into the "Yasser Arafat" mould of a "leader" who can't lead and won't make peace.
Kevin O'Grady, Boston USA
Following 9/11, the US waged war on terrorists and countries that supported terrorists. Is it too much to ask that they put their own house in order and close down the funding of terrorism in Northern Ireland? Or will it simply be yet another case of one rule for the rest of the world, and a self-serving rule for themselves? Good luck to the McCartney family - I hope that they do manage to cut away the delusions of Irish-Americans
Hamish Newling, Nottingham
I believe that there is much manipulation going on in office and out. Mr Bush and Senator Kennedy won't take the side of Sinn Fein, due to the backing that Britain is providing for the war in Iraq.
Scott, Philadelphia USA
Some of the supporters in the USA still seem to see the IRA as "freedom fighters". How outraged would they be if large groups of British people started fund-raising for Iraqi "freedom fighters" in a fight against the US. The principal is the same.
Jim Kirk, Basildon UK
| Sinn Fein will have a future so long as Ian Paisley and other extreme loyalists are there |
Sinn Fein will have a future so long as Ian Paisley and other extreme loyalists are there to remind the nationalist community why they turned to the IRA for protection in the first place. Support and funding for loyalists comes in part from mainland Britain, so those who rush to condemn gullible Americans should have a look at their own rose-tinted attitudes to Unionism as well.
James, Wembley Considering Bush's strong anti-terrorism rhetoric of the past few years, I'm amazed Adams has been allowed to the White House on St Patrick's day in recent years. Shame on Sinn Fein, shame on IRA and shame on Bush
Ed, London UK
I find it frustrating that most American grass-roots supporters of the IRA still view them as the 'romantic' IRA of the early 20th century. Today, nothing could be further from the truth. They are criminals who intimidate their own communities. This has been going on since the recent troubles started in 1969 but now, because of the McCartney sisters, more people across NI are speaking out against it. Hopefully American opinion on the IRA and what they're really all about will be better informed after this week.
Glenn, Northern Ireland
The only political party so far to have exploited the McCartneys for a photo opportunity is Sinn Fein.
Stuart, UK London
No sane person, no matter how hard he tries, can ever understand Northern Ireland, its politicians, its wars, its killing, its pain, and above all the hatred between the two communities. All happening right here in Europe. Totally Insane.
Lyndon Berchy, Edam, The Netherlands
Chickens come home to roost eventually. At long last the IRA's romanticised vision of the 'armed struggle' which they have been selling the Americans as some sort of glorified wrestling match, has been exposed as murder and terrorism of innocent people. Perhaps now the Americans will stop funding them.
David, London, UK
The IRA - freedom fighters or terrorists? Criminals nonetheless. Albeit, SF is clearly doing itself a disservice - their ties to the IRA ultimately exposed - via their stance, statements (or lack thereof), and inability to inexplicably condemn murder. Good luck to the sisters - keep in mind while meeting Senator Clinton, they are nothing more than a photo/press-op - she is as concerned or committed as her publicist tells her to be - being St Patrick's day this week.
Lawrence T, Brooklyn, NY USA
| Sinn Fein are now being seen in their true colours |
These girls are exceptionally brave, and I pray for their protection. Sinn Fein are now being seen in their true colours, and thankfully they are not in power
Mary, Limavady McGuinness sounds scared to me. I think he's more worried about the McCartney sisters manipulating politics than being manipulated by politicians. Good on 'em - I don't know anyone in Ireland, Protestant or Catholic who feels they are well served by their politicians. Maybe a few independents is exactly what the country needs.
Linus, Brighton, UK
SF voters know who they vote for. They have always known. There wasn't a problem when it was British or Protestants getting killed. I bet the vote stays pretty much the same come the elections.
Alistair, Belfast
I detect a seismic change in the air. The IRA should listen, watch and note. Terrorism - in whatever form, is now off the agenda globally. Blair and Bush should be brave, and treat the IRA in exactly the same manner as al-Qaeda. The public would applaud, that is the wish of the people. Martin McGuinness should praise the McCartney sisters - they are brave; they are fighters; they are not prepared to accept a 'no' - they have justice on their side.
Peter Joshua, Guildford, UK
Of course that poor family is being used by all parties involved. Sinn Fein has as much right as anyone else to say what they want, but they'd all do well to shut up and do what needs to be done to get those responsible arrested, put on trial, and punished if guilty. The peace process has been twisted into an incredible circus that benefits the main political parties and their present means of holding power over their alleged constituencies. History and our collective memory will judge the political powers and the obstinacy and selfishness that has prolonged the suffering needlessly. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better. The McCartney family deserves better.
K McVittie, Philadelphia USA This is the kind of people law-abiding Northern Ireland people have had to endure for a long time. The IRA lives in some fantasy mindset unaffected by reality. they look at the world through green-tinted glasses and when they don't get their way they resort to murder. They are very sick people.
David, Craigavon, Armagh
During the past 40 years the nationalist community of N Ireland have created and supported the modern day IRA/Sinn Fein. They have created the problem and given the IRA full 'policing rights' throughout their community. So why are people surprised or shocked when the IRA make these statements. To keep power (and funding) the IRA have to make such statements (and conduct the subsequent murderous acts). Despite the protests, the IRA will carry on killing people in N Ireland while their leaders are given 'house room' by the British, US and Irish Governments. And to add to the problem, just like Islamic terrorists, the IRA are given full support and encouragement by their own brand of Catholic Church leaders.
G Mc Aleese, Gosport, Hants
Obviously the IRA have no interest in being involved in a democratic lawful society.
Luke Deverill, London, UK
| It's sad that the IRA cannot understand how bad they look |
It's sad that the IRA cannot understand how bad they look to the rest of the world. Sadder, too, is that they cannot get their act together, put the guns away, and step up to a peace process in a country that is long overdue for peace.
Angela, Fort Worth, TX The IRA offers to commit further murders. This demonstrates it has no wish to abide by any laws.
Gillian Crow
This statement demonstrates clearly that for all Blair's ridiculous "tough talk" on the Terrorism Bill, when it comes down to it, he has shown ridiculous weakness when dealing with the IRA.
Ian Lowe, Airdrie, Scotland
When enough people want rid of the government they can vote them out. When the time comes, how do you get rid of an organisation like the IRA who are accountable to no-one? It will try to perpetuate itself for ever.
Norman Paterson, St Andrews, Scotland
Killing your own members is a pretty big thing for the IRA to do. Although they have a funny way of showing it, surely this shows they actually are committed to the peace process?
Simon, Nottingham, England
I am absolutely shocked that this would be a serious suggestion! Thankfully the family has behaved impeccably throughout all of this and refused the offer. Hopefully the IRA will respect their wishes to have those responsible tried through the courts instead of summarily executed.
Rachel, Minnesota, US (ex Northern Ireland)
How dare Martin McGuinness warn anyone to stay out of politics. We live in a free and democratic country where everyone has the right to become involved in politics if they so wish, whether they represent one of the main political parties, or some kind of pressure group. "Warning" people not to get involved in politics simply implies the kind of freedom and democracy which would ensue if his party held power.
Clive Tully, Norwich, UK
I have great sympathy for the McCartney family for what they are going through and I hope they will eventually get the justice they deserve, but recently I have found myself switching over the TV or Radio every time I hear another repetitive drone from some two-bit politician who wants to score cheap points or some indignant reporter who fancies being the next Jeremy Paxman.
I like a lot of people have started to become sick of hearing about this. I hope it doesn't backfire on the family but this is overkill on this issue. It's been on every news report every day for the last six weeks. Instead of picking over the bones of the IRA involvement in this murder how about interviewing Mr Devine, Robert's friend?
DC, Belfast
| I pray that better people, people like the McCartney sisters put themselves forward for election |
I hope that this event amongst the many sectarian violent goings-on will lead to something better. I pray that better people, people like the McCartney sisters put themselves forward for election and get rid of the parties from any side that is steeped in crime and violence.
Matt, London
What a mess; not only do the IRA intimidate people who (a) could provide information to the police and (b) people who could actually have given some first-aid to Mr. McCartney, but they also offer to provide their own kind of justice ? What sort of "civilised society" are they trying to bring us? Why can't they understand that they are not wanted? Yes, they may have been useful in the very early part of the 20th century, but we neither want nor need drug-running, gun-toting people acting as "society's leaders". Same goes for the Loyalist terrorists - same deal, different flag.
Frank Smyth, Dublin, Ireland
The IRA are terrorists and have always have been, they should be treated by the world the same as the rest of the terror organisations not pampered and paid compensation. Who is paying their victims compensation?
Anon, UK
All I can say is once a group of thugs always a group of thugs. The IRA keep twisting and turning in the eyes of society and the recent statement has sent the organisation back to its dark past.
Les Parry, London U.K.
It really is good to see the mask slipping on SF/IRA, now the Americans are seeing what sort of machine some there have been funding over the years. The McCartney sisters are to be praised for their efforts for justice, good luck to them.
Ardglass, Belfast, UK
It is sad that it takes another murder to expose a tremendous problem in N. Ireland. While many things have clearly gotten better it is obvious that the policing issue has not moved forward at all. There is only one way to overcome the injustices of the past, and we all know that the police have played their part. That is to consume the entire police service with open minded individuals from all backgrounds who want to serve all the people in their neighbourhoods, towns, and counties. This includes the many Catholics who are awaiting the nod for "permission" to "join up" when "the word" is given. Start thinking independently and consider what is best for your family and the people who you live beside.
D MacA, Philadelphia, USA The IRA's offer "to shoot" those responsible for the murder of Robert McCartney must surely be the "last straw" for anyone in any position of authority or responsibility for the issue of Northern Ireland. It is time for those with the power to rid the process of these thugs (no matter which side they belong to). It is time to "out" the people, either "Loyalist" or "Republican" who have any links to the "paramilitary" criminal organisations of either side, prior to the elections, and to hold them accountable for the actions of their "colleagues". Perhaps then, the people of Northern Ireland will be able to make a safe and informed judgement upon whom to trust with their vote for a better future free of the mentality that thinks guns and killings will solve the problem.
Roger Cooper, Vancouver, Canada
The IRA has done itself a massive amount of damage. Most non-involved people in the UK - who nevertheless have a slight Republican lean - now see the IRA as nothing more than a criminal gang. The IRA has set its cause back years.
Martin Brandon, Borough, London
This IRA statement illustrates the long road ahead for the Northern Irish society to heal itself from the gangster culture that has been allowed to infest it. Let us hope that this will spur the communities to take action against both catholic and protestant gangster organisations. This will demand courage and determination.
Arnoud, Paris
Presumably the IRA has qualms about handing these men over to be tried in a court of law. No doubt they think it would somehow undermine the IRA to do this. But what they propose says a great deal about how much they value their own members, so one hopes the remainder of their organisation is made sufficiently uneasy by this offer to reconsider their membership. Were I one of the men responsible for this death, I would surrender to the police without delay because the IRA may decide to kill the "guilty" no matter what the McCartney family want.
John B, Milton Keynes, UK
| The most sickening part of this episode is the absolute refusal of Sinn Fein to ask people to cooperate with the police investigation |
So the IRA are a bunch of murderers prepared to kill even some of their own. Now there's a surprise. For me, the most sickening part of this episode is the absolute refusal of Sinn Fein to ask people to cooperate with the police investigation. They never tire of telling us they have a political mandate, but surely any legitimate party should accept the rule of law? Without this, SF remain what they always have been, a mouthpiece for the IRA.
Dave, Moira, N. Ireland We should be shocked but not surprised by the IRA statement. Remember we're not dealing with rational intelligent human beings here, but rather with a bunch of lawless psychopaths. The IRA don't kill for a cause, they kill because they enjoy it.
Nick Mortimer, Ex-pat in Bruges
When Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness are interviewed they sound pretty plausible. I have been fairly well disposed to the nationalist cause in recent years but this latest offer by the IRA has unmasked them as an organisation of psychopaths. No wonder the unionist parties feel they can't share power with them.
David, Edinburgh
| I think this is a step forward for the IRA |
I think this is a step forward for the IRA (and it appears I'm alone in that thought). It's a barbaric and outrageous offer that no decent human could consider but I think it shows willing on their part. 10 years ago there would be no names given and no offer of help, they would merely have closed ranks. We have to work with this process and say we appreciate any help, but it has to be done legitimately through the courts. Don't dismiss out of hand any progress that is made though, just because it seems unsavoury in the first instance.
Rob, London Well done to the government for the Good Friday agreement! What a success it has been... I feel so much safer knowing that we have released these people back into society! This offer has just proven that their (IRA) mentality has not changed at all, and the only way they can talk is through taking lives.
Chris, Surrey
This is the organisation that along with Sinn Fein signed up to the Good Friday Agreement. Where is their commitment to it now? This obscene gesture is indicative of their arrogance and their total regard for justice.
Ray Kennedy, Belfast
Great thinking from the IRA. So the people who killed Robert McCartney are themselves killed by other people. What then happens to the killers' killers? Do they also have to be killed if killers' families openly and courageously express their grief and anger at their murders? Where does it stop? Perhaps it should start with the people who made this disgusting suggestion. If this demonstrates the intellectual level of the IRA, Irish republicans are in a desperate state. Their incompetence over the last few weeks has lost them a great deal of sympathy and support. Perhaps it's time for newer, younger, and more intelligent leaders to take over and steer the group and its followers into the new circumstances in the 21st century.
Jacques, Westcott, Surrey
When did the IRA take the role of the legal system for Northern Ireland? Surely any responsible body would pass the information on to the police and then leave it in the hands of the legal system and not offer to mete out their own justice? It just goes to show that the IRA are committed to the peace process as long as peace means they can deal out their own street justice as and when they see fit.
Eden, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
I think most people are missing the point. Ten years ago, the killers of Robert McCartney would already be dead or hiding somewhere in mainland Britain. I view the statement as a bizarre attempt at damage limitation amongst the wider spectrum of the Republican community, in that it has a little bit for everyone, be they hawk or dove. In what could be viewed as a cynical PR exercise the IRA appease hardliners with their offer to carry out instant 'justice' and placate moderates by allowing the police investigation to continue. But I believe the wider world will quite rightly demand more from them.
James Kelly, Paisley, Scotland
| Only tension and violence can follow |
The IRA and Sinn Fein cannot continue to hold up constitutional methods with one hand whilst dishing out punishment shootings with the other. The IRA has to concede all illegal operations as part of an all-inclusive ceasefire, otherwise any lasting peace will be predicated on false promises. Only tension and violence can follow.
Jim, London, England I welcome this statement from the IRA, in the hope that they will extend their offer of execution to all the other IRA members who have killed innocent people - it would be the end of them all
Mark Blackman, London
Anyone expecting the IRA to hand over Robert McCartney's killers to the Northern Ireland Police Service are living in a dream world. While the murder of Robert McCartney was totally wrong, the belief that the IRA will hand over information to the very thing that they have been fighting against is a non starter. Maybe they can hand the info over to the police in the South of Ireland instead?
Damien McCrea, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The fact of the matter remains the PSNI are not trusted by the majority of many areas of Belfast as a result of their harassment of the community. Unfortunate as it may be, the IRA has been the most effective law force in many areas of Belfast, and seen by many as a "lesser of two evils"
T, Dunmurry, Northern Ireland The IRA intended to declare in the most direct way that they are totally opposed to what happened to Robert McCartney, well knowing that the family would not demand what they offered.
Bj�rn, Dortmund, Germany
At the same time as the government is forcing harsh legislation through Parliament to deal with the spectral threat of Al-Qaeda, it is also allowing parts of Northern Ireland to be run as gang-land fiefs. A government that wants to be tough on terrorism can't have it both ways. How much longer should we tolerate (and fund) in that same Parliament men who are obviously linked to the violence of these primitive thugs, with their bizarre offers to shoot fellow-citizens who step out of line, but not to deliver them up to the authorities?
Matthew, Oxford
So much for their "putting arms beyond further use"!
Ed, Aberdeen, Scotland
If the IRA think that it's a good offer - and sadly I think they do - then it just shows how wide and fundamental is the gulf we still have to cross. McCartney's family get my highest respect for rejecting this vile proposition. Now I am left wondering if the IRA can comprehend why the family rejected the offer. If they can comprehend it perhaps there is hope. If not, I despair.
Alastair Ross, Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland The IRA may be unable to turn the killers over to the police as they may well have detailed knowledge of the inner workings of the IRA. Faced with a long sentence, these people could well cut a deal, and turn over all their knowledge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Can you imagine what would happen if the identities of the IRA council were made known? The IRA can't risk this and will certainly kill anyone involved in this murder before turning them over to the police.
Nathan Hobbs, Luton, UK
I am delighted that at long last the people in the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the US have finally seen Sinn Fein/IRA for what they are, barbaric murderers who will even turn on their own community. Hopefully it will put an end to their 'fund' raising activities and their exclusion from the Northern Ireland political process.
Debbie, Belfast
I have been a lifetime supporter of the IRA and the cause for which they fight, but this behaviour is clearly ridiculous. The IRA should reform itself following public consultation.
J. Gomer, UK
| It's clear they are the Irish version of the mafia |
It's clear they are the Irish version of the mafia, and they'll never give up their power willingly. No matter what happens in Ireland, the IRA will still be murdering and trying to control the population.
Chris, UK I feel great respect for the family of Robert McCartney. It's an inspirational response to a society that is becoming increasingly without morals.
Mark Dana-Brandt, Leeds, England
It was instructive to hear Martin McGuiness squirm when being carved up this morning on Radio 4's 'Today' programme. He just didn't seem to have twigged that the rest of the world has moved on, and people will no longer tolerate this murderous bunch of thugs.
John, London UK
The murder of Robert McCartney was wrong. Who can investigate the paramilitaries in the RUC/PSNI? What else can the community do? The same people who send their army to my country are passing comment on things they don't understand. We need a representative and accountable police force. The community has no faith in unionist policing.
Brian, Belfast, Ireland
I can't believe that the IRA are so stupid as to make such a public statement. Perhaps it is a clumsy attempt the 'flush out' Robert McCartney's murderers into the arms of the police, which may have worked.
David, UK
I am fed up of this anti-republican propaganda. I'm not saying that what the IRA is doing is right but why do we have to hear Ian Paisley's ranting every time an NI issue comes along. Stop pointing the finger at the IRA and not even mentioning loyalist paramilitaries. Let's get the peace process back on track.
Frances O'Rourke, Manchester UK
| This issue is now being used as a political football by the enemies of Sinn Fein |
Neither Sinn Fein nor the IRA will turn in the people who killed Robert McCartney to a Police Service or a Court System that the majority of Nationalists/ Republicans have no confidence in. After all, the republicans have fought this system for over 30 years. They are not going to hold it up as a fair and impartial system now. This issue is now being used as a political football by the enemies of Sinn Fein. I think it would have been more effective if the IRA had taken care of its own internal business "in-house" rather than issuing silly statements.
James, Derry, Ireland Those who commit or threaten murder are lawbreakers and should be punished if found guilty. Membership of a "paramilitary" organisation should confer no immunity. Gerry Adam's non sequitur ("We know that breaking the law is a crime. But we refuse to criminalise those who break the law in pursuit of legitimate political objectives") will haunt him at election time.
Anonymous
During the Balkan conflicts in the 90's the British Government helped to remove terrorist weapons in 30 DAYS. Why has the British Government for over 30 YEARS been so indecisive with the same threat in its own territory? The IRA should have been sorted out a generation ago. The only thing that got in the way was politics. Welcome, Tony Blair, to Planet Reality.
John, Reading, Berkshire
Isn't it nice to know that these guys will still hold a gun under the table, and are happy to use it, either to get what they want or get rid of what they don't want! Is it not time for those who have supported the IRA (here and abroad) to wake up to the reality of supping with the devil!
Richard, Belfast, N Ireland
Half the Ulster situation is down to criminality dressed up as politics. It's up to everyone concerned to decide which path they want to take. The McCartney family have stood up against criminality - good for them, hopefully other families will do the same.
Toby, London, UK
| I don't agree with what the IRA have done but it's a clever way of bringing justice |
I don't agree with what the IRA have done but it's a clever way of bringing justice. The killer has come forward to the police in order to avoid an IRA death sentence - something he would surely not have done otherwise. At least this can bring justice, and it implies that they are no longer going to support volunteers who kill in the name of the IRA. Let's not forget that this could be the start of future co-operations between the government and the IRA.
Helen, Coventry This statement just reinforces what most straight thinking people have known all along, the IRA are just an organisation of thugs and terrorists who will never give up the gun or their activities because they think that they run Eire and intend to run Northern Ireland. Now is the time for the government of Eire and of the UK to crack down hard on this group including the so called 'politicians' like Adams who support them and reveal them for the anti-social criminals that they are.
J Burdall, Matlock, England
Punishment without trial? Who do the IRA think they are, the government?
Steve, Margate, England
| Maybe this publicity will wake a few people up |
Well done to the McCartney family. Sorry for their loss but it's great that this family has brought out the true colours of the IRA. Maybe this publicity will wake a few people up.
Amanda, NJ, USA This has been the problem all along. The IRA has thought itself above the law and played 'judge and jury' for far too long, impeding the process to bring a 'just' peace to Northern Ireland.
Jane, Edinburgh
Not forgetting all their other crimes of course, but isn't even just threatening to shoot someone not a breach of their ceasefire, Tony Blair? And would the IRA have even offered to do this if Robert's family did not stand up to them? I don't remember any such shows of 'regret' for any of the other murders.
George, Belfast
It would be foolish to use this IRA statement to sideline Sinn Fein. The less democratic voice Republicans have, the more likely it is that the extremists will return to full scale terror and violence to further their cause. Sinn Fein must be kept in the democratic process.
David, Albourne, UK
How interesting that it is yet again a group of women who shine the light for justice and peaceful resolution and a group of men whose only answer is barbarism and thuggery. Isn't it time women replaced men in all areas where conflict arises so we can get on with the job of living together peacefully and not blasting the living daylights out of each other - which is the only answer our male politicians ever seem to spout?
Shirley Batten-Smith, Watford, Herts
I find the IRA's involvement in this to be right on the money. It is well known that the police are never fair and impartial when it comes to Republicans - the only way for Republicans to get justice is to do it ourselves. I also find it highly suspect that only anti-IRA statements are published on this site.
Matthew Russell, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
I welcome the IRA statement, and would like to see much more of the same, because it shows them up for what they are. Eventually maybe all Catholics in Northern Ireland will realise that Sinn Fein/IRA doesn't serve their community, it just hides behind it. It uses political/sectarian issues as a cover.
Larry, Leeds
This wasn't foolishness on the part of the IRA, there is a clear message in the offer. They are clearly pointing out that the legitimate forces of law and order are of no interest to them; that they themselves keep order, and intend to continue to operate outside the remit of civil law. Having made this assertion, there will obviously be no co-operation with the authorities.
Dunstan Vavasour, Rugby, England Morbid. The statement is a confession of all their crimes of the past as well as a public announcement of rejecting the Good Friday Peace Agreement.
Mary McCannon, Budapest, Hungary
How can anyone get excited about all this until we read the IRA Statement for ourselves - where is this 'lengthy statement'?
Paul Massey, Houston, Texas
At least help to get them convicted and jailed before carrying out this childish tit for tat rubbish. I have huge amounts of respect for Robert's family who seem to be more committed to the peace process than the IRA. The IRA appear to be acting in a way that is similar to those WWII veterans lost in Japan who thought the war was still going on in the 90's!
Max Richards, Cardiff, Wales
The offer of the IRA to punish those responsible for the killing does not address the underlying problem - there cannot be peace while there is an armed group that considers itself outside the rule of law.
David, Teaneck, USA
The recent rash of high profile criminal behaviour attributed to the IRA has been noted on the other side of the Atlantic. Mr Bush has invited the McCartney sisters to his St Patrick's Day celebration but for the first time in 10 years there will be no Sinn Fein representatives in attendance.
Andrew G, Orpington, UK
| The offer made by the IRA was not surprising at all |
The offer made by the IRA was not surprising at all. Reporting Mr McCartney's killers to the police would be against their values, rules and tradition. Is it right? No, they should move on and really engage themselves in the peace process. But don't expect them to do it over night. And besides, I am sure they could use some encouragement from both governments and political parties. They are nothing but being discouraged right now.
Kate, New York, USA
Perhaps if members of the IRA read the comments made here it will go a long way towards showing them how out of step and out of time they really are with current views and the wish of everyone for peace.
Norman, Coventry UK
Why the surprise at the IRA's willingness to murder people?
Andrew, Edinburgh
Shows them up for what they are. Maybe Americans will stop sending them money now.
Nick, Brighton
This whole thing sounds like something out of 'The Godfather.' The methods used by the Corleone 'Family' were outdated and had to change. At least they recognised this. It's time the IRA did the same.
Paul C, Glasgow, UK
The recent IRA statement was well-intentioned but misjudged and the threat to kill, even to kill criminals, was a serious error of judgement. The IRA should reemphasise its commitment to the political process. It should be clear to everyone that a tactical decision by the IRA to disarm publicly and openly and to stand down all operations does not constitute humiliation or defeat. Rather, it is politically the most expedient and effective course for the IRA to take in ensuring that its own long-term goals and the aspirations of the Catholic community in Northern Ireland are realised as fully as possible. It is time for everyone in Northern Ireland, starting now with the IRA, to make a renewed leap of faith.
Matt, England
| Punishment beatings and shootings are a day-to-day occurrence in Northern Ireland, it is highly unlikely they would actually have killed these people |
Lets be clear about this, the IRA offered to shoot the killers not kill them. Punishment beatings and shootings are a day-to-day occurrence in Northern Ireland, it is highly unlikely they would actually have killed these people, they lack enough support as it is without losing that of their existing members. Having said all that however it really does demonstrate how deluded and out of contact the IRA are with the rest of the population of Ireland.
Cormac, Dublin, Ireland If it was an off duty PSNI officer or soldier who killed McCartney would the whole force get the blame?
Liam, Belfast
Liam: Yes, if the 10 to 20 members of the police force destroyed the evidence and then intimidated witnesses into silence to cover the matter up, with the collusion of the organisation as a whole (only until such time as press pressure go too much) and then, by way of massively late "apology", the senior management of that force offered to shoot the culprits. How can anyone defend this farrago?
Tom, UK
If they know who committed the murder give the evidence to the police. Anything else is against the peace process. To offer to murder a man, I sincerely hope was a statement of how seriously they take this, rather than an actual offer to further ignore the law.
Jeffrey Lake, London, UK
I really don't see the problem with the IRA statement. They are willing to deal with those that murdered Mr McCartney. They've taken his life, now they should lose theirs. I don't see the issue. Perhaps if our government and our society dealt with the perpetrators of all sorts of crime in a similarly determined and self-responsible way, we wouldn't be in the utter mess we are.
Josephine, Bath, UK
Josephine from Bath seems to like the idea of summary execution by the IRA. Does this mean that if she were accused of some crime or other, she would also be prepared to have the IRA as Judge, Jury and Executioner? It is exactly the same argument as that against the government's proposed anti-terrorist legislation: Who can be trusted to make the right decision?
Jon G, Huddersfield UK
Exactly who do they think they are? There are systems in place for the delivery of justice in the UK and Northern Ireland. These are adequate for every other single member of the population, so what makes the IRA think that they can subcontract out the duties of Judge, Jury and Executioner to someone else?
Rachel, Reading, UK
While I cannot say for certain that in the position of the McCartney family I would be able to turn down such an offer, this is clearly mob rule, and can only have negative implications. If the IRA truly want to help, they should turn the guilty parties over to the proper authorities with enough evidence against them to put them away for life.
Kris McCann, Halifax, Canada
The IRA's latest statement will have caused shock and bemusement to many of the chattering tabloid readers in Great Britain but for many catholic people in the six counties, the IRA has been their only protection. Give us a police force that we can trust and we will use it.
C O'Neill, Preston
| The arrogance of the IRA is truly staggering |
The arrogance of the IRA is truly staggering. Self appointed judge and jury as usual. It's time to stand aside and let the PSNI do their jobs.
Karen Jones, Belfast, NI The IRA is so last century. I tittered when I heard their offer, so out of touch with reality and their belief in their own propaganda that they actually thought it was going to be taken seriously. They're just laughable now.
Robert, London
So the IRA has said they would murder the people involved in McCartney's death. They are also saying anyone going forward has nothing to fear. Well based on the IRA's track record you would have to be totally mad to go to the police with evidence. The IRA has shown by their statement that they have no understanding of how a democratic country operates. They are nothing more than a bunch of grown up bullies.
Bob Martin, Brighton UK
I wonder if the families of those killed by the IRA were to ask nicely would the IRA deal with the rest of the murderers in the same way? That would be one solution for getting rid of an entire illegal organisation!
Caroline, Belfast
I cannot believe they have publicly declared that they are willing to murder these men and expect people to take them seriously. They are beyond belief, violence is ingrained in them.
Vikki, Oxford
Belfast has had some level of peace over the past several years - why can't it be kept that way? Now the IRA want to spoil it - any action they take can only result in more violence.
Linda, Hull
As a nationalist I am afraid to say that it now appears the unionists have been right all along. The IRA has proven that it has not changed its way and that their mindset is still the same. Their involvement in the peace process would now appear to have been a con for their own benefits.
Gerard, Belfast
It's clear that the IRA know who committed the murder. It's sad but no surprise to see that they want to continue to "police" their community themselves. Sinn Fein complained about the RUC so the government created the PSNI. Let the police do their job. It's time to supply them with the evidence they need.
Mark, Belfast, Northern Ireland
My heart goes out to the McCartney family. To have received this dreadful yet compelling offer and turned it down shows that they possess all that is best in the human spirit, and what I hope will prevail.
Judith, Northampton, England
At what point did the IRA cross over from a criminal enterprise to a legitimate organisation? They haven't. I think the outrage over their statements is a bit much. So they suggested taking care of one of their own. What did you expect?
Thomas O'Neil, New York, USA
Thomas O'Neil from New York hasn't a clue what he is talking about. This is an organisation which pretends it wants to take part in a legitimate political process, through Sinn Fein. They are proposing murder. It's not out of character, true enough, but outrageous it certainly is, and I thought that the American position on terrorists was somewhat less forgiving than this. Shame on you.
Chas Knight, Duxford, UK
The IRA is passing up an opportunity to de-escalate the lingering violence in Northern Ireland. If they know who the men were who committed this crime they should be turning them into the police, not simply banning them from the IRA and threatening to murder them.
Brendan McTear, Philadelphia, USA
How can we tolerate such a response in 21st century in Britain? They are stuck in some time warp where they are simply not aware that the world has moved on, Britain has moved on, Ireland has moved on. They use religious divides which simply don't exist between the vast majority of Christians throughout the world as an excuse to continue with their gangland mentality. If it didn't lead to such tragic results and misery they would be a joke. Heaven help them.
Betty Butler, Cardiff, Wales The law of the jungle is the IRA trademark, a leopard never changes its spots.
Niki Blair, Belfast
The IRA offers to shoot some people. So good to hear that they're committed to the peace process!!
Matt, Kent
Robert McCartney's family have behaved impeccably throughout their ordeal. By contrast, Sinn Fein have refused to shop the villains to the police and now the IRA is offering to commit gangland killings.
Mark, London
This is the unfortunate reality of life in Northern Ireland. How can we have peace when this is the mentality of people (on both sides) who 'hold' power? There cannot be a right minded person who would think the IRA is doing the right thing here. Can there?
Ryan, Belfast
For goodness sake! If this doesn't demonstrate how much the IRA have NOT got the point then it is this! The point is that they are not the police - they never were and they are certainly not now. If they want to help, then turn those responsible over to the police and offer to give evidence. It is called civil society.
Katherine, London, UK
It is typical of the IRA and what they stand for. Will they ever learn???
Harry, Middlesbrough
| The men who murdered Robert McCartney should be imprisoned, not assassinated |
It is obviously tragic when a life is pointlessly taken, but why should we take another? It will never bring him back and just causes more people grief. Murder and the taking of a life is never right, except in exceptional self-defence occasions. The men who murdered Robert McCartney should be imprisoned, not assassinated.
Catherine, Suffolk, UK The IRA just don't get it do they? These dinosaurs must go. There is no place for them and their brand of barbarism in the 21st century.
Richard Atkins, Wortham, UK
Most people be they Catholic or Protestant, north or south of the border want a peaceful solution in Ulster, and violence is not the way forward whoever is responsible.
Peter Alsop, Calne, Wiltshire, UK
That is just the problem with the situation in Ireland - the hatred is passed down from generation to generation, violence is reciprocated with violence. How on earth could killing those men be a good action to take?
Kate, Oxford, UK
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