SF defends criticism of policing

Sinn Féin has today hit back at unionists who claimed they have reneged on their commitment to policing.

Policing spokesman Alex Maskey said it was the party's duty to hold police to account after a row erupted over their criticism of the arrest of a senior republican in Co Tyrone.

MEP Jim Allister accused the party of going back to their old opposition to the rule of law after Mr Maskey lambasted the "heavy-handed" approach of police.

They had arrested Brian Arthurs during an organised crime operation at his Dungannon home on Friday.

However, Mr Maskey today said Sinn Féin backed accountable and acceptable policing.

"What we do not support is bad, repressive or political policing," he said.

"When the conduct of the PSNI drops below the standard we expect then it is our duty as public representatives to call the policing service to account."

Detectives are still questioning Mr Arthurs and two others arrested yesterday in the Armagh area.

They have said their action on Friday was proportionate and necessary but Sinn Féin claimed six police vehicles arrived at the house in an over-zealous display of force.

Northern Assembly member Mr Maskey (Sinn Féin, South Belfast) added: "Sinn Féin are not joining policing structures to rubber-stamp the decisions taken by the PSNI leadership.

"Our job is to provide a robust and effective accountability mechanism.

"The operation in Dungannon on Friday evening was heavy-handed and unacceptable.

"Sinn Féin will not shy away from speaking out when we feel that it is necessary."

Mr Allister claimed the intervention posed a challenge to Ian Paisley's DUP, which has accepted Sinn Féin's commitment to policing and entered devolved government with them.

He left the party earlier this year after they agreed to power-sharing at Stormont.

Republicans have nominated members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and will also sit on local District Policing Partnerships which scrutinise officers.