Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy has released a statement withdrawing remarks he made in the aftermath of the murder of 21 year old Paul Quinn from Cullyhanna in 2007.
At the time Mr Murphy in an interview to the BBC claimed Paul was "involved in smuggling and criminality" an allegation totally rejected by his family and one which they have been asking to be withdrawn ever since.
Paul was beaten to death at a farm in County Monaghan and although they didn't attribute the murder to the IRA, saying it arose from local disputes, the Independent Monitoring Commission in their April 2008 Report said "Amongst those involved were people who had in various ways been associated with the PIRA at a local level, including as members of the organisation"
Mr Murphy in his statement released yesterday said “I have consistently and unreservedly condemned the murder of Paul Quinn.
“Those who murdered him are criminals and need to be brought to justice.
“I repeat my call on anyone with any information on his murder to bring it to the Gardaí or the PSNI.
Speaking of his regret the Stormont Finance Minister added “I very much regret comments I made in the aftermath of Paul's murder which have added to the grief felt by the Quinn family.
“I apologise for those remarks and I unreservedly withdraw them.
“Once again I offer to meet the Quinn family at a time and place of their convenience.”
