Nationalists and unionists criticise police changes

There has been criticism from both nationalist and unionists to the proposed changes to the new Police Bill.

The changes proposed would allow ex-paramilitary prisoners to serve on the Police Board once they complete the transition from violence to peace.

The SDLP joined the Police Board on the basis of promises made last year but the party says it's now bitterly disappointed.

Party leader, Mark Durkan, said that the British government had failed to deliver on two fundamental issues dealing with the powers and accountability of the Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman.

Sinn Fein's, Martin McGuinness said that progress was being made but the Bill didn't go far enough.

Gerry Adams said the changes still fell short of Patten and his party would not be joining the Policing Board and that spins to the contrary were a failed bid by the SDLP to justify their position.

David Trimble, the UUP leader, has expressed dismay that the British government would even consider allowing ex-prisoners onto the district police partnerships even after what London calls acts of completion by paramilitary groups.