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25/02/2002
Sinn Fein launch anti-Special Branch poster campaign
Sinn Fein have launched a Northern Ireland wide poster campaign highlighting their opposition to the current policing arrangements and specifically the role of Special Branch.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign in the party's Sevastopol Street office, Sinn Fein's Policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly said: "Last year, when it became clear that the British government was not prepared to deliver the Good Friday agreement requirements for a new beginning to policing, we said we would mount a vigorous public campaign to achieve an acceptable policing service. Today is the latest stage in that."
Mr Kelly went on to describe his party's belief that Special Branch continues to operate as an unaccountable "force within a force" a term first used in the Patten Report on policing.
He claimed that Special Branch were "untouchable" and that the Policing Board, on which Sinn Fein refuse to sit, have "no power or authority to tackle the Special Branch or curb its influence."
The recent Ombudsman's report into the Omagh bombing was particularly critical of the role of Special Branch and senior police officers including the Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan.
(GB)
Speaking at the launch of the campaign in the party's Sevastopol Street office, Sinn Fein's Policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly said: "Last year, when it became clear that the British government was not prepared to deliver the Good Friday agreement requirements for a new beginning to policing, we said we would mount a vigorous public campaign to achieve an acceptable policing service. Today is the latest stage in that."
Mr Kelly went on to describe his party's belief that Special Branch continues to operate as an unaccountable "force within a force" a term first used in the Patten Report on policing.
He claimed that Special Branch were "untouchable" and that the Policing Board, on which Sinn Fein refuse to sit, have "no power or authority to tackle the Special Branch or curb its influence."
The recent Ombudsman's report into the Omagh bombing was particularly critical of the role of Special Branch and senior police officers including the Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan.
(GB)
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