MLA demands President Catherine Connolly 'at least acknowledge' hurt caused by ex-IRA convict photo
A DUP MLA has said that the Irish president is “refusing to even acknowledge, let alone apologise” after being pictured next to a former IRA convict.
Trevor Clarke, whose brother-in-law was murdered by the IRA, made the comments following a furore around president Catherine Connolly being pictured next to Mary McArdle during a recent visit to Belfast’s Falls Women's Centre, which describes itself as “a feminist organisation committed to promoting structural and gender equality for women”.
McArdle was the only person ever convicted in relation to the murder of Mary Travers in 1984.
Mr Clarke said: “It has now been six days since she was pictured smiling alongside convicted murderer Mary McArdle…
“My own brother-in-law was murdered during the Troubles, and no one has ever been convicted. We, too, have been denied justice.
"My wife Linda and I can therefore imagine the pain the Travers family must be feeling.
"That pain has now been compounded by the First Citizen of the Republic of Ireland refusing to even acknowledge, let alone apologise for the additional hurt caused by this photograph.
"Six days of silence.
"Shameful.”
Schoolteacher Mary Travers had been aged 22 and was leaving mass with her family when two gunmen appeared and shot both her and her father, magistrate Thomas Travers.
Mr Travers survived, and went on to testify that one of the gunmen had also tried to kill his wife but the gun had jammed.
McArdle was convicted of Miss Travers’ murder after being caught in possession of two guns, but the shooters themselves escaped justice.
After the photo with her was taken last week, Ann Travers, Mary’s sister, said: “I’ve written a letter to President Connolly.
"I’m not expecting her to reply to me.
"After all, I’m only a sister and daughter of IRA victims.
"If I had been a member of the IRA, I’m sure she would be in touch.”
Mr Clarke’s brother-in-law Nigel McKee was one of eight people killed when the IRA blew up a van carrying Protestant workmen at Teebane crossroads in Co Tyrone in 1992.