Mallon unhappy at RUC recruitment

The SDLP's Seamus Mallon has said it is too early for his party to recommend their supporters to apply for the new police force in the North.

The MLA's comments came after security sources in the North confirmed that recruitment to the RUC will begin this week, despite objections from the SDLP and Sinn Fein.

Last week, the Chief Constable of the RUC, Ronnie Flanagan, said recruitment would take place in a few weeks' time, but the process now appears to have been speeded up.