Menu
16/10/2002
Sinn Fein delegation meets Alderdice to discuss PSNI raids
A Sinn Fein delegation has met with assembly Speaker Lord Alderdice today to discuss the PSNI raid on the party's Stormont offices earlier in the month.
Sinn Féin's West Belfast MLA, Sue Ramsey, and assembly commission member, Dr Dara O'Hagan, met the Speaker in relation to the raid that police carried out as part of investigations into an alleged 'spy ring' at the Northern Ireland Office.
Speaking after the meeting Mrs Ramsey claimed the raids were part of an "elaborately choreographed performance for the media".
She added: "This raid begs a number of key questions. Who authorised this assault on the democratic institutions? Who authorised the PSNI to enter the building from within the assembly? Why did the PSNI gain entrance to the building prior to the production of a search warrant? When did the Speaker become away of the raid? Why was Sinn Féin not informed of the imminent raid?"
Mrs Ramsay said that two members of staff have already lodged formal complaints with the Police Ombudsman's Office as a result of the raid.
The West Belfast MLA said: "Clearly the PSNI had no intention of searching Sinn Féin offices but were instead engaged in a piece of political theatre. As we look at yet another suspension we must be aware of the damage that has now been done to the standing of these institutions."
Raids also took place in homes throughout north and west Belfast in connection to the alleged spy ring. Police recovered two computer disks during the raid at Stormont, which they have subsequently returned.
It is also believed that the names of all Northern Ireland's prison service staff – which were found to be in a laptop recovered from one of the homes in west Belfast – could now be in the hands of the IRA.
(MB)
Sinn Féin's West Belfast MLA, Sue Ramsey, and assembly commission member, Dr Dara O'Hagan, met the Speaker in relation to the raid that police carried out as part of investigations into an alleged 'spy ring' at the Northern Ireland Office.
Speaking after the meeting Mrs Ramsey claimed the raids were part of an "elaborately choreographed performance for the media".
She added: "This raid begs a number of key questions. Who authorised this assault on the democratic institutions? Who authorised the PSNI to enter the building from within the assembly? Why did the PSNI gain entrance to the building prior to the production of a search warrant? When did the Speaker become away of the raid? Why was Sinn Féin not informed of the imminent raid?"
Mrs Ramsay said that two members of staff have already lodged formal complaints with the Police Ombudsman's Office as a result of the raid.
The West Belfast MLA said: "Clearly the PSNI had no intention of searching Sinn Féin offices but were instead engaged in a piece of political theatre. As we look at yet another suspension we must be aware of the damage that has now been done to the standing of these institutions."
Raids also took place in homes throughout north and west Belfast in connection to the alleged spy ring. Police recovered two computer disks during the raid at Stormont, which they have subsequently returned.
It is also believed that the names of all Northern Ireland's prison service staff – which were found to be in a laptop recovered from one of the homes in west Belfast – could now be in the hands of the IRA.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
18 November 2024
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
-
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.
