Sinn Fein and SDLP clash over policing

The SDLP has accused Sinn Fein of abandoning their responsibilities by refusing to join the Police Board.

Sinn Fein says recent loyalist violence, and the lack of an adequate police response, shows they were right not to have anything to do with the Police Board until it is reformed and given more powers.

Sinn Féin assemblyman, Conor Murphy, claims that the SDLP are increasingly desperate in their search for political cover over their mistake in joining the Policing Board.

He said SDLP arguments for joining the board are just desperate attempts to paper over the nervousness of many of the party's local councillors who are now being forced onto the local District Policing Boards.

Mr Murphy said Sinn Féin will not endorse policing until the British Government bring forward the legislation required to bridge the current deficit in the Board's accountability.