McCartneys still wait for news

Robert McCartney's family arrived back from the United States to find the silence surrounding their brother's death still firmly in place.

Despite being fêted by some of the most powerful people in the world during a tour of Washington, Mr McCartney's five sisters and his partner Bridgeen Hagans were no closer to putting his killers behind bars when they arrived yesterday.

The women, who have expressed their frustration that the police investigation into the death of Robert, 33, had not progressed, called on the Irish and British governments to help break through the silence.

Cheered as they landed at Dublin airport, the sisters and Ms Hagans were given a garda escort to a waiting taxi outside.

"We achieved what we set out to get, which is the support of everyone in America for our cause," said Catherine McCartney. "But more importantly we're back home and what we want is action. It's no good just sitting on the sidelines calmly giving support, we need action."

The women will take their campaign to Brussels by visiting senior members of the European Parliament. As well as opening a campaign office in Belfast, they hope to organise a national petition and hold rallies outside Magennis's bar, where Robert was stabbed.

Some of the family may run as independent candidates in the British general election to advance their campaign.