PSNI 50:50 recruitment policy to continue says Minister

Security Minister, Jane Kennedy has confirmed that the Government is to continue with its 50:50 Catholic/Protestant recruitment policing policy for the next three years.

The Minister, who confirmed the decision when the provision was laid down in Parliament on Thursday, said the renewal followed a three month consultation period and a series of meetings between herself and the main political parties.

However, the Minister was immediately criticised by UUP North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon.

She said: "I am absolutely furious with the Government’s announcement on 50:50 today. They have made this decision to renew 50:50 for a further three years on the back of what was a charade of a consultation, during which, no serious effort was made to address the genuinely held concerns of the majority community in Northern Ireland.

"My colleagues and I in the Ulster Unionist Party will, however, be calling for an urgent statement from the Secretary of Northern Ireland to explain the reasons for this flawed and, quite frankly, insulting decision.”

Ms Kennedy said that while she understood the decision would annoy some quarters, for the moment it was the best possible action to take.

"I understand that many people find it very hard to accept the principle of 50:50 recruitment, particularly those who have not been appointed to the police because of it," the Minister said.

"The Government does not want to continue the practice for any longer than necessary, but we believe that, for the moment, it remains essential to bring to an end the historic imbalance in the representativeness of the police."

The temporary provisions of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 which provide for 50:50 recruitment to the police service are due to expire in March unless they are renewed.

(MB)