Republican News · Thursday 25 September 2002

SDLP seeks cover for policing error

Responding to remarks made on Monday by SDLP Policing Board member Alex Attwood, accusing Sinn Féin of changing its position regarding the British government's policing structures, Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing, Gerry Kelly, said:

"Week in week out we have been reading statement after statement from Alex Attwood and others accusing Sinn Féin of changing its position on policing. It is clear that the SDLP are seeking cover for the mistake they have made accepting less than the new beginning required by the Good Friday Agreement.

"The gaps between the current policing arrangements and the requirements of the Agreement and the Patten threshold remain significant. This is unacceptable.

"Sinn Féin will detail these again for the two governments when we make a submission to Jane Kennedy before the end of the month as part of the Review announced after Weston Park."