SF welcomes PSNI admission about use of plastic bullets
Sinn Féin has welcomed comments by PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde acknowledging problems with the use of plastic bullets in the North.
The widespread use of these weapons at demonstrations during the Troubles is a major cause of republican distrust in the police force.
Seventeen people, including nine children, were killed by plastic bullets in the North and many more were blinded or maimed.
The projectiles were often fired directly at people's heads or chests in breach of the police's own rules.
Mr Orde admitted last night that some of the victims of these bullets were innocent.
He also said he did not want his officers to have to use them again, but the best way to secure this was for all politicians to engage in policing.
Sinn Féin says the comments are welcome, but Mr Orde should have gone further and promised that plastic bullets will never be used again.
Campaigners against plastic bullets have also welcomed the remarks, but say more action is needed to address "the legacy of impunity" surrounding their use.
