SDLP `propping up the RUC'
by Michael McCracken
Sinn Fein councillor Michael Browne has attacked the
SDLP on Belfast City Council who recently voted with
Unionists on a number of votes which have assisted
unionist discrimination against Sinn Fein.
At the full Council meeting on Tuesday 3 March the
Unionists proposed that the council seek the analysis
of RUC boss Ronnie Flanagan on the relationship between
Sinn Fein and the IRA. The SDLP voted for the unionist
motion.
Browne has argued that the result shows the SDLP are in
disarray on the council and attacked the SDLP's
willingness to accept the views of the leader of ``a
discredited force''.
Browne said: ``SDLP councillors should familiarise
themselves with the publicly stated position of their
party leadership with regard to the RUC. They would do
well to act in accordance with the wishes of the
nationalist community and join with the rest of us in
demanding the RUC's disbandment, as opposed to throwing
this discredited force a lifeline at every
opportunity''.
The latest vote comes a week after SDLP representative,
Catherine Molloy, voted with the Unionist/Alliance
bloc, in favour of the council defending itself in
court against a Sinn Fein writ to have party members
represented on outside bodies such as the Housing
Executive.
Although the SDLP supported Sinn Fein in a second vote
on the issue during Tuesday's meeting, the motion was
lost and the council will defend itself.
Browne accused unionists and Alliance councillors of
``maintaining a discredited policy. They should desist
from wasting taxpayers money trying to justify
systematic discrimination against Sinn Fein''.
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