Menu
14/03/2003
Trimble slams recruitment criteria for PSNI
In the House of Commons yesterday, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble slammed a move to exempt officers on secondments to the PSNI from 50:50 requirements as a “huge inconsistency” and once again attacked the "discrimination" engendered in current policing recruitment.
During a debate in the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, the Upper Bann MP expressed his "surprise" at a government amendment which he said was “drafted in such a way that the 50:50 rule on police recruitment will not apply to secondments”.
Mr Trimble said the new clause “exists for the purpose of facilitating secondments from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland", adding that "the Garda Siochana cannot be regarded as reflecting that society”.
Mr Trimble said: “Privileging entry for the Garda Siochana and failing to apply a rule that is designed to ensure that the police force in Northern Ireland is representative of society is profoundly unbalancing.”
However, the former Northern Ireland first minister restated his opposition to the current 50:50 recruitment policy on the grounds that it is "discriminatory" in a society which arguably need more equality and human rights.
Mr Trimble added: "The Prime Minister, in the peroration of his speech in Belfast last October, said that any form of discrimination is totally abhorrent, and that the days of making excuses and justifying discrimination are gone – but they are not gone for the government, who continue to discriminate and try to provide justification for discrimination.
“That is simply wrong. It is a disgrace to the House of the Commons that, in this day and age, it should be enacting legislation to legalise discrimination.”
(GMcG)
During a debate in the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, the Upper Bann MP expressed his "surprise" at a government amendment which he said was “drafted in such a way that the 50:50 rule on police recruitment will not apply to secondments”.
Mr Trimble said the new clause “exists for the purpose of facilitating secondments from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland", adding that "the Garda Siochana cannot be regarded as reflecting that society”.
Mr Trimble said: “Privileging entry for the Garda Siochana and failing to apply a rule that is designed to ensure that the police force in Northern Ireland is representative of society is profoundly unbalancing.”
However, the former Northern Ireland first minister restated his opposition to the current 50:50 recruitment policy on the grounds that it is "discriminatory" in a society which arguably need more equality and human rights.
Mr Trimble added: "The Prime Minister, in the peroration of his speech in Belfast last October, said that any form of discrimination is totally abhorrent, and that the days of making excuses and justifying discrimination are gone – but they are not gone for the government, who continue to discriminate and try to provide justification for discrimination.
“That is simply wrong. It is a disgrace to the House of the Commons that, in this day and age, it should be enacting legislation to legalise discrimination.”
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2004
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
05 December 2008
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
22 March 2002
Northern Ireland can be a world example says Trimble
First Minister David Trimble has said he believes Northern Ireland can be an example to other parts of the world. Mr Trimble was speaking in Waterford on Thursday 21 March, where he received the St Angela’s Peace and Justice Group’s International Award.
Northern Ireland can be a world example says Trimble
First Minister David Trimble has said he believes Northern Ireland can be an example to other parts of the world. Mr Trimble was speaking in Waterford on Thursday 21 March, where he received the St Angela’s Peace and Justice Group’s International Award.
02 April 2002
Trimble praises work of Northern Ireland Police Fund
Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has paid a visit to the offices of the Northern Ireland Police Fund which was set up to provide support for disabled police officers as well as for the families of murdered police officers.
Trimble praises work of Northern Ireland Police Fund
Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has paid a visit to the offices of the Northern Ireland Police Fund which was set up to provide support for disabled police officers as well as for the families of murdered police officers.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
-
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.
