PSNI raid ‘necessary for democracy’

A POLICE raid on Sinn Féin offices at Stormont which led to the suspension of devolution in Northern Ireland had to take place for the sake of democracy, it was claimed yesterday.

As Sinn Féin denounced a Police Ombudsman report which challenged its claim that the October 2002 raid was politically motivated, Democratic Unionist Policing Board member Ian Paisley Junior insisted it had to take place because the personal details of prison officers, police and politicians had fallen into the hands of republicans.

"The raid on the Sinn Féin office as part of the overall Stormont spy ring operation was absolutely necessary not only in restoring law and order but also democracy," the North Antrim MLA said.