Sinn Féin 'running scared' on police reforms
Sinn Féin was accused today of “running scared” on the policing issue in Northern Ireland.
On the fourth anniversary of the Patten Commission’s reform recommendations which led to the Police Service of Northern Ireland being set up, SDLP policing board member Alex Attwood accused his rivals of “running out of excuses” for not endorsing the new arrangements.
Mr Attwood, whose party became the first nationalist party in the history of Northern Ireland to participate in policing structures and urge their community to join the force, claimed the reforms had been a success.
He said: “It is four years since Patten and only two years since the policing board was established.
“The pace of policing change continues to accelerate, despite the joint efforts of unionists who resist Patten and Sinn Féin who fail to join in the work of implementing Patten.
“A brief review of the last two years confirms the range of progress – a new name, badge and flag.
“We have seen (Chief Constable Hugh) Orde in, (Sir Ronnie) Flanagan out, up to 2,000 jobs for Catholics in the PSNI in the next two years, the police ombudsman vindicated over her Omagh report, Special Branch being dismantled, 50:50 recruitment in place with 540 new officers each year, over 2,000 of the old RUC retired, seven of the eight senior police chiefs changed in the last 18 months.
“Challenges endure but change is irreversible.”
Mr Attwood claimed Sinn Féin had been “found wanting” over policing.
He accused Sinn Féin of baulking at the challenge when the new legislation was passed in April.
The SDLP chairman continued: “Sinn Féin have long ago run out of reasons and now rely on lame excuses for failing to join the board and the district policing partnerships.”
With policing remaining an issue in the current peace process negotiations, Mr Attwood urged the Irish and British Governments not to “allow the further evasion by Sinn Féin of their political and policing responsibilities”.
He continued: “The resolve of those working to implement Patten has been most graphic this week.
“The resilience and strength of DPP members is powerful testimony of the commitment of growing numbers to changed and better policing.
“This week has demonstrated that those who have failed to take up the Patten challenge are out of date, out of touch and running out of time.”
