McArdle quits Stormont advisor post

Published Tuesday, 13 March 2012
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Sinn Féin special advisor Mary McArdle is to leave the office of Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, UTV can reveal.

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The former prisoner was at the centre of much controversy when it was first revealed she had been appointed to the government position, given her conviction over the 1984 murder of Mary Travers.

The 22-year-old daughter of Judge Tom Travers was shot dead by an IRA gang as she left church in south Belfast with her family.

Ms McArdle was jailed for life for murder but released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

When her appointment came to light in May last year, she later claimed the killing had been a "tragic mistake" and said she regretted that it had happened.

However, she came under considerable pressure - including from Ann Travers, the victim's sister - to quit.

"My understanding is Mary McArdle is taking up another post in Sinn Féin's political division and Sinn Féin are saying it's not because of that pressure," UTV's Political Editor Ken Reid revealed.

Reacting on Twitter, Ms Travers said she was "thrilled" to hear that Ms McArdle had stepped aside.

© UTV News
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6 Comments
Marty in Singapore wrote (435 days ago):
Sad to see someone who has a positive contribution to give being forced out by people with nothing to offer but bitterness and complete hatred.
John in Co.antrim wrote (435 days ago):
About time too i bet Sinn Fein thought by appointing her after 25 odd years some people would forget her murderous past, well praise be to god that Ann Travers and the entire family circle have now got there wish, just looking at McArdle picture tells the story her eyes are those of a cold blooded murderer.
S.B. in Belfast wrote (435 days ago):
Whatever Sinn Fein say or spin they put on this it looks as if they have once again buckled, blinked first and backed down to Unionist and media pressure. I am not justifying or condoning the killing of Mary Travers but if everyone took offence at people involved in the conflict or didn't like what they said or did there would be very few sitting in the Executive. Then again Sinn Fein are now very much a British Establishment party no different from the SDLP who they castigated for years. Sinn Fein are in the system administering Tory cuts with no qualms whatsoever; they gave up the right to call themselves an Irish Republican party a long time ago. Shame on them!
Steve in Belfast wrote (435 days ago):
Yee haaa!!! Well done to the Travers family for keeping up the pressure!! The People 1 - Political Backslappers 0. Now McArdle should talk to the HET.
good bye in bangor wrote (435 days ago):
she wont be missed, her appointment caused nothing but resentment in loyalist circles.
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