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20/02/2002
Adams and Ahern discuss Northern policing
The thorny issue of policing dominated talks between Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin.
The two men met in Dublin on Wednesday February 20 to discuss policing arrangements in Northern Ireland before Mr Adams launched Sinn Féin's 'No' campaign on Ireland's forthcoming referendum on abortion.
Speaking before the meeting outside Government Buildings, Mr Adams said the proposals for police reform did not go far enough to satisfy the nationalist and republican communities.
Sinn Féin have consistently refused to endorse the current policing board and back the Police Service of Northern Ireland. They maintain current reforms to redress the policing services and controls do not meet the reforms contained in former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten's policing report on the way forward for Northern Ireland.
Mr Adams said: "We have made it very clear that the legislation has to include and involve Patten. The minimum for republicans or nationalists to be involved in this policing proposition is Patten.
"Patten is not there at the moment, particularly in view of the whole impunity with which the Special Branch still acts."
Legislation amending police reforms is set to be laid before parliament later this year and Sinn Féin has been urged from many quarters to join the 19 member Policing board before this date.
Speaking at the weekend the Taoiseach said: "I hope that Sinn Féin would take the opportunity to come in, because I do think ultimately it is vital that everyone representing nationalist and republican, loyalist and unionist as re part of the police service."
(AMcE)
The two men met in Dublin on Wednesday February 20 to discuss policing arrangements in Northern Ireland before Mr Adams launched Sinn Féin's 'No' campaign on Ireland's forthcoming referendum on abortion.
Speaking before the meeting outside Government Buildings, Mr Adams said the proposals for police reform did not go far enough to satisfy the nationalist and republican communities.
Sinn Féin have consistently refused to endorse the current policing board and back the Police Service of Northern Ireland. They maintain current reforms to redress the policing services and controls do not meet the reforms contained in former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten's policing report on the way forward for Northern Ireland.
Mr Adams said: "We have made it very clear that the legislation has to include and involve Patten. The minimum for republicans or nationalists to be involved in this policing proposition is Patten.
"Patten is not there at the moment, particularly in view of the whole impunity with which the Special Branch still acts."
Legislation amending police reforms is set to be laid before parliament later this year and Sinn Féin has been urged from many quarters to join the 19 member Policing board before this date.
Speaking at the weekend the Taoiseach said: "I hope that Sinn Féin would take the opportunity to come in, because I do think ultimately it is vital that everyone representing nationalist and republican, loyalist and unionist as re part of the police service."
(AMcE)
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SF renew attacks on SDLP over policing board
A war of words has erupted between Northern Ireland's two main nationalist and republican parties, with Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy accusing the SDLP of desperately trying to find "political cover" for joining the Policing Board.
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A war of words has erupted between Northern Ireland's two main nationalist and republican parties, with Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy accusing the SDLP of desperately trying to find "political cover" for joining the Policing Board.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
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Policing Board counter SF policing approach
Members of Northern Ireland's Policing Board have met with leading political figures in Washington to counter Sinn Féin claims that policing reforms are not working in Northern Ireland.
Policing Board counter SF policing approach
Members of Northern Ireland's Policing Board have met with leading political figures in Washington to counter Sinn Féin claims that policing reforms are not working in Northern Ireland.
20 November 2007
Policing Partnership Meeting Abandoned
Sinn Fein's vote last January to back the PSNI and to nominate party representatives for seats on the N I Policing Board and the associated District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) for the first time, has proved to be easier to agree than to action.
Policing Partnership Meeting Abandoned
Sinn Fein's vote last January to back the PSNI and to nominate party representatives for seats on the N I Policing Board and the associated District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) for the first time, has proved to be easier to agree than to action.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
