Sinn Fein must clarify position on Cardiff principles on policing – Lyttle

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has commented on an incident on Friday night in North Belfast in which Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly attempted to stop a PSNI land rover

Chris Lyttle MLA said: “Whatever the circumstances, it is entirely inappropriate for any elected representative to behave in this way. Anyone in attendance at a parade or demonstration must respect the rulings of the Parades Commission and the PSNI.

“Respect for the rule of law and the operational independence of the police are key principles that were supported by all political parties present at recent discussions in Cardiff.

“A key outcome of the Cardiff discussions was a commitment from all elected representatives to move beyond selective and partisan responses to policing operations and the application of the rule of law. Sinn Fein must clarify where they stand on these principles.

“There are a number of established mechanisms through which elected representatives can communicate with the PSNI or pursue legitimate concerns; this was not one of them.

“Reports that there may have been breaches of Parades Commission determinations, which are legally binding, must also be appropriately investigated.”

ENDS

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