Attitude and Approach of SF on Policing Board and not Privy Council Briefings will determine whether devolution of Policing and Justice can happen - McCrea
Ulster Unionist Police Board Member and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea, speaking ahead of the first meeting of the new Policing Board today, said that Sinn Fein’s attitude and approach within the Board, coupled with the security briefings provided at meetings, should be the key deciders in whether or not the devolution of Policing and Justice can happen.
In a statement Mr McCrea said,
“Only if Sinn Fein engages fully with the PSNI and other members of the Policing board both in public and private can the devolution of policing and justice be considered. The decision by Sinn Fein to nominate representatives with a terrorist background is a calculated move, the significance of which will not be lost on Sinn Fein’s grass roots. However, it is seen by the Unionist community as a provocative action, reinforcing the fear that the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP is merely a marriage of convenience, a change in tactics but not a change in attitudes. It is apparent that despite the devolution of many issues to Stormont, the key questions regarding the future of Northern Ireland remain unanswered. Will Sinn Fein and the people it represents, unambiguously support the PSNI?
From a Unionist perspective, the attitude and approach of Sinn Fein within the policing board, along with the security information provided at such meetings will be the key factors in deciding whether our society is ready to accept the devolution of policing and justice powers. Others will not doubt seek to assure themselves of the impartiality of the PSNI and the effectiveness of the oversight arrangements. The board should consider these matters for the benefit of all the citizens of Northern Ireland but on no account will the Board permit the operational independence of the PSNI to be brought into question.
The devolution of policing and justice can only be considered if and when public opinion supports such a move. The attitude and effectiveness of the Policing Board will play a pivotal role in any such decision. Any suggestion that additional information provided under “Privy Council” terms would enhance the decision making process would not only run contrary to the openness and transparency required to secure public confidence, but would actually destroy the basis for devolution of such powers.”