Anderson condemns brutal murder

Kieran Doherty; Vigil held in Derry against the killing of Kieran Doherty

SPEAKING in the Assembly on Monday about the murder of Kieran Doherty on Wednesday 24 February by the so-called Real IRA, Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said:
“I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to Mairead and the Doherty family, the Miller family and all of Kieran’s friends as they mourn the loss of their partner, son, brother Kieran. On behalf of Sinn Féin, I totally and absolutely condemn the murder of this young Derry father. I am appealing to anyone with information to come forward and assist this investigation and having spoken to the family over the weekend, they also want justice to be sought for Kieran’s murder and the family asked me to refute the allegations made against him on their behalf. They are also seeking answers as to the linkages that this group calling itself the Real IRA has with MI5.
“There is widespread revulsion in Derry at this murder and over the course of the weekend when I was in the wake house and this morning along with my colleague, Raymond McCartney at the removal to the church, people were questioning the rationale and motivation of Kieran’s killers.
“It is generally believed that this organisation is not only infiltrated by MI5, but also by criminals. Their activities are anathema to republicanism and everything republicans stand for. Even those people – small in number as they may be – who gave tacit support to them are now accepting this fact.
“However, today our thoughts should be with Mairead and the family circle as they come to terms with this sad loss.”