SDLP accuse SF of failing electorate on policing

The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin of failing its electorate by not recognising the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

A year ago today, the SDLP endorsed policing in the North for the first time since partition saying the new police board holds the force accountable.

However, Sinn Féin is still refusing to join the Police Board or the local district police in partnerships claiming the Patten report was not implemented in several vital areas.

The party is trying to persuade the British government to amend legislation to make the police more accountable to the public and arguing that the old RUC Special branch still exists in ethos in the new force.

The SDLP is accusing Sinn Féin of failing its electorate and pointed to Catholic recruitment levels as evidence that nationalists accept the new force.