The sisters of the murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney were awarded the top accolade at the Women of the Year awards yesterday, but declined it when it emerged they would have to share a platform with Margaret Thatcher.
The sisters, who have consistently tried to avoid party politics and remain true to their republican roots in their campaign for justice, flew from Belfast for the ceremony at London's Guildhall. But they were told shortly before the prizegiving lunch that when receiving their "outstanding achievement" award they would have to join Lady Thatcher, being honoured for lifetime achievement. The most loathed British prime minister among nationalists in Ireland since the famine, she is blamed for the deaths of 10 republican hunger strikers in the 1980s and prolonging the Northern Ireland conflict. The prospect of appearing at her side would be uncomfortable for most nationalists.
The McCartneys, from the Catholic enclave of Short Strand in east Belfast, have been careful not to alienate their community. In a statement, Catherine and Claire McCartney said: "Our campaign is one of justice, and as an Irish republican family we feel we cannot share the same platform with a former PM who inflicted injustices on our community." Women of the Year's board of directors said in a statement that the sisters regretted being forced to decline: "Women of the Year would like to reiterate that we are proud to recognise their remarkable achievement and wish them all our continued support."
Robert McCartney was stabbed and beaten to death after an argument with republicans in a Belfast bar in January. The campaign by his five sisters and his partner, Bridgeen Hagans, has taken them to the White House and Brussels. Last month, Tony Blair presented them with an award, with a video address from Bill Clinton.
Last month, Paula McCartney moved out of Short Strand after 40 years because of republican intimidation. Ms Hagans is to follow after her house was attacked and picketed. One man has been charged with the murder of Mr McCartney and another with the attempted murder of his friend Brendan Devine. But the McCartneys have said more people were involved in the killing and subsequent cover-up, and want them all brought to justice.
Other awards went to Claire Bertschinger, the Red Cross nurse who inspired Live Aid, and Tina Turner, voted woman of the year.
Women of the Year
Lifetime achievement award
Margaret Thatcher
Window to the world award
Claire Bertschinger
Woman of the year for 2005
Tina Turner
Outstanding achievement award (declined)
The McCartney sisters and Bridgeen Hagans