Are Repentant Criminals in Police Service part of DUP’s new deal?, asks Hillis
East Londonderry UUP Assembly member Norman Hillis has expressed his astonishment that DUP MP Gregory Campbell would countenance anyone with convictions for terrorism or criminality joining the policing service.
Mr. Hillis said Mr. Campbell’s statement that criminals should be considered for the police “if repentant” marked an amazing U-turn by the East Londonderry MP.
Mr. Hillis added: “Is this part of the “new deal” promised by the DUP three years ago but not delivered?
“Maybe we should not be surprised at this statement especially now that the DUP policy seems to be to take a Ministerial seat from the UUP and hand it over to Sinn Fein.
“Does Gregory Campbell really think it is permissible for terrorists who have ‘repented’, to put on uniforms and police the very people and places they have previously terrorised? This would never be acceptable.
“Do Mr. Campbell’s remarks indicate the DUP’s private thinking? Does it form part of the price for the deal they are cooking up with Sinn Fein to return to Government?