The widower of tragic Michaela McAreavey has blasted a “new inquiry” being launched into her murder on honeymoon in Mauritius nine years ago.
John McAreavey branded the move by the authorities on the Indian Ocean island as “bulls**t.”
He linked the announcement to a deal signed two weeks ago between the holiday isle and newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 35-year-old former Down footballer had criticised the deal when it was unveiled. He highlighted his campaign for justice for Micheala and tagged the club in social media posts to make them aware of his concerns.
Now just 10 days later he revealed that the Government in Mauritius has announced a new inquiry into the cold case murder of his then-wife.
However, he appeared unimpressed when he tweeted to social media followers: “I note the Mauritius Gov has launched a ‘new’ police investigation into Michaela’s murder.
“This comes one week after I questioned their partnership with @LFC. Perhaps people will now understand the type of bullshit I have had to put up with for so long.”
Mr McAreavey had said he was sickened by Liverpool Football Club’s commercial link-up with the island nation.
He has pursued a campaign for justice since Michaela was strangled in their hotel room in a luxury resort in January 2011.
He accused Mauritian authorities of indifference and inaction on the case, claiming they are more interested in preserving the island’s reputation as a holiday destination than catching the killers.
Michaela, a 27-year-old teacher who was the only daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football boss Mickey Harte, was murdered when she returned to the room alone and disturbed a burglary.
Two former hotel workers were acquitted after a high-profile trial on the holiday island in summer 2012.
The McAreavey family has campaigned to have them tried again.
Last month Liverpool unveiled Mauritius as its new official tourism and economic development partner.
The club has signed a three-year partnership with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Economic Development Board Mauritius.
Liverpool said the deal formed part of Mauritius’s drive to become a “leading global tourist destination and business hub of Africa”.
The club said the partnership would see Mauritius benefit from a “range of LFC digital, social media and marketing assets”.
Mr McAreavey expressed his concern at the link-up on Twitter.
“Mauritius can’t guarantee tourists safety and have complete disregard for victims of murder,” he tweeted.
“I have huge respect for @LFC as a club, for everything they stand for and how they have pursued justice for their own people for so long. Seeing this makes me feel sick.”
