The 33-year-old father-of-two was stabbed near the city centre

Terence Davison, 49, of Stanfield Place in the Markets area of the city was charged with murder.

Mr McCartney, 33, was stabbed outside a Belfast pub on 30 January. He died in hospital the following day.

James McCormick, 36, of Victoria Road, Stetchford, Birmingham, was accused of attempting to murder Brendan Devine on the same night. Both deny the charges.

They were remanded in custody when they appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court.

Relatives of the accused packed the courtroom for their appearance and officials restricted the number of reporters allowed inside the courtroom.

Riot police were in the court for the hearing

Mr McCartney's sisters and partner sat on one side of the public benches, separated by police in riot gear from relatives and friends of the two accused.

A senior detective said he believed he could connect the defendants to the charges.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Dunwoody told the court that when he put the charge to Mr Davison at Antrim PSNI station, he replied: "Definitely not guilty."

He said when the charge was put to Mr McCormick, he replied: "I'm not guilty."

The court heard the prosecution case is based on witness statements, ID evidence and, in the case of James McCormick, forensic evidence.

The defendants are expected to appear in court again by video link on 1 July.

White House

Speaking outside court, Mr McCartney's sister Paula said: "The family is relieved that the first step in a very long process is over.

Mr McCartney's sisters and partner were in court

"We are glad that it has arrived at the court because we vehemently believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and we hope that that is what is going to happen here."

Mr McCartney's sisters and partner have held a number of meetings with high profile politicians in their campaign for justice over the killing.

In March, they met US President George Bush at the White House in Washington.