The British Government tonight faced fresh demands to amend its policing legislation in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly argued that the only way to secure Nationalist approval would be to amend the Police Act. Mr Kelly was speaking as the SDLP emerged from an hour-and-a-half meeting at Stormont with the Security Minister, Adam Ingram. Sources said that the SDLP stressed its concerns about the future role of the special branch, the full and part-time reserve, the entry of police from the south into the new service, the closure of Gough Barracks and the issue of symbols and flags.
Prior to the meeting, SDLP Assembly member Alban Maginness warned the British Government that it would be foolish to believe his party could be pressurised into endorsing the police reforms. However, he said that the issue is not party political. "This is an issue for the whole of society. If we do not get policing right, then it fundamentally weakens the chances that we have for a peaceful, democratic society here."
The Taoiseach earlier said that he hoped to discuss the policing issue with Sinn Féin and the British Government. Mr Ahern had a 15-minute telephone conversation on the North with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, last night. A Government spokesman said that both men were anxious to inject a sense of urgency into the peace process and would soon resume intensive negotiations that were adjourned before Christmas. It has also been reported that Sinn Féin and the British Government are to hold talks this week in an effort to advance the peace process.
Meanwhile it emerged tonight that over 700 complaints have been made against the RUC in the past two months. Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Nuala O’Loan said that she had received the complaints, including oppressive behaviour, assault and failure of duty, from all sides of the community. However, she stressed that the investigations were independent and impartial. “Where wrongdoing has occurred we will act,” she said.
An RUC spokesperson said that the Chief Constable welcomes the Department of the Ombudsman in terms of police accountability.
