The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's cross-community party

 David Ford

Campbell tells Sinn Fein - let police get on with their job

10.13.38am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Jun 2007

Portrait-yellow: CAMPBELL Tom (photography: Allan Leonard)

Newtownabbey Alliance Councillor Tom Campbell

Alliance Spokesperson Cllr Tom Campbell has launched a stinging attack on Sinn Fein for their knee-jerk reactions to certain arrests made by the police in recently. He said that police must be allowed to get on with their job, without hindrance from politicians.

Newtownabbey Councillor Tom Campbell said: "We have heard a rash of condemnations from Sinn Fein regarding various arrests in recent weeks. Sinn Fein should exercise more caution, instead of providing knee-jerk reactions to police work.

"When police begin any investigation, they should be allowed to get on with their work without hindrance from politicians or anyone else. I strongly welcome Sinn Fein taking their seats on the Policing Board, but I would, however, urge them to think before they speak on police activity.

"Any legal process must be allowed to proceed without interference from politicians. Everyone must be equal in the eyes of the law.

"All criminal charges must meet the test of judicial scrutiny. If cases do not match up to these high standards, then and only then, can they be disposed of.

"Sinn Fein must understand that because they hold a position in government, they have a responsibility to maintain standards and should stay away from criticism of criminal investigations.

"If there is any suggestion of heavy-handedness, there are legal mechanisms that can be put in place to address such matters."

ENDS

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