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Cracks in Executive after sectarian murder

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Martin McGuinness
Divisions opened up on Tuesday in the Northern Ireland Executive over the response to the brutal sectarian murder of Catholic community worker Kevin McDaid.

Sinn Fein's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness accused some unionist politicians of failing to back up words of condemnation with action to help heal Catholic/Protestant divisions.

He singled out the Culture Minister, DUP's Gregory Campbell, for criticism.

Mr Campbell, as MP for the Coleraine area where the killing took place, has condemned the murder, but Mr McGuinness said words were not enough and called on politicians to take steps to end division.

"I want him to show real leadership. I want him to recognise the importance of contributing in a positive and constructive way by encouraging people in the Coleraine area to engage in dialogue," said Mr McGuinness.

"And indeed, to encourage him to engage in dialogue."

The Deputy First Minister said Mr Campbell refuses to speak to him, despite the pair working in government together, and claimed his stance was reflected in a lack of community dialogue in Coleraine.

Kevin McDaid, 49, was killed yards from his home in Coleraine when violence flared after a 40-strong loyalist mob stormed into the area near his home after Rangers beat Celtic to the Scottish Premier League title.

Six men have so far been charged with the murder and, together with two more, with the attempted murder of Damien Fleming, 46, who was critically injured in the disturbances.

The two main unionist parties have condemned the murder, though they have confirmed that none of their senior politicians attended Mr McDaid's funeral on Monday.

The DUP said its East Londonderry MP, Mr Campbell, had prior commitments at Stormont.

Protestant clergymen attended the funeral and appealed for an end to sectarianism, as have leading figures in both the DUP and Ulster Unionist Party.

Mr Campbell has already publicly condemned the killing and asked anyone with information to contact police.

He also said that in the aftermath of the murder he received complaints from Protestants in Coleraine alleging intimidation by Catholics.

The DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson has visited Mr McDaid's bereaved family with Mr McGuinness.

Both men have promised new policies to help combat sectarianism.

But the Sinn Fein representative said more needed to be done at grassroots level.

© Press Association

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At 19:52 on 03 June 2009, Liam wrote:
Unionist D.U.P are pathetic. I feel sorry for people like Gregory Campbell and Co. They just keep clinging to the past, them day's are long gone so wake up.
At 17:35 on 02 June 2009, Noel Kelly wrote:
Kevin McDaid was known as the Peace Maker in Coleraine and worked diligently for peace in his community. To hear that NO Unionist politicans attented his funeral is reprehensible. If Gregory Campbell was afraid he would lose support from his electoral base for attending the service then it speaks volumes about the type of person that he is.
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