Police have praised Sinn Féin's support in their investigation of a murder in Newry.
Chief Supt Bobby Hunniford said local Sinn Féin councillor Marian Matters's comments in support of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's inquiries about the murder of taxi driver Stiofan Loughran were an example of improving police-community relationships.
"We have acknowledged the co-operation which police received, from a variety of individuals, groups and community representatives. Sinn Féin are included in those who called for support, and indeed I have had assistance from many political parties," said the chief superintendent.
"I thank the local representative for the statement that she made because it made our job on the ground a lot easier and enabled us to deal with a very difficult situation in a much more normal manner and have it resolved at the scene a lot quicker," he added.
Mr Loughran, who was 41 and a father-of-four, died after being stabbed in the Derrybeg estate on February 8th. An 18-year-old man is on remand charged with his murder.