RUC and Garda co-operate on uniform detail

The RUC and Garda have been collaborating this week in an unusual cross-Border security operation . . . involving the protection of one constable's uniform.

The uniform was handed across the Border at the weekend for transport west of the Shannon under Garda escort. It is being "held" in Mill Street station in Galway for seven days, under no particular section of the Criminal Justice Act.

However, the uniform has been granted temporary release. It will be escorted every night this week by Mill Street gardai to the city's Irish language theatre, An Taibhdhearc, for a brief appearance on stage.

The "model" is Uinsionn O Morain, one of the cast in the Taibhdhearc's production of Brian Friel's Saoirse na Cathrach (Freedom of the City). Directed by Padraigh O hEanai, the play opened in Galway last night and runs until Sunday. Significantly, the play is set in 1970 and mirrors the events of Bloody Sunday - the subject of the Saville inquiry in Derry. This did not deter the Northern police force when it received the request to borrow a uniform.

The main focus of the play is on three characters, played by Aonghus Weber, Seamus O hAodha and Colette Nic Eanai. The three are taking part in a Civil Rights march and they find refuge in the first building they come across during an outbreak of violence on the Derry streets. This building just happens to be the Guildhall, unionist stronghold and lord mayor's base.

Ms Aoife Ni Scolai, administrator of An Taibhdhearc, said she had tried everywhere for a replica RUC uniform, before deciding to contact the RUC directly.

"Initially, our request was turned down on security grounds, but then I was asked for the measurements. Contact was made with Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park, and the Garda agreed to take responsibility for it in this jurisdiction."

Ms Ni Scolai said the Taibhdhearc was used to security operations, as members of the Defence Forces in Dun Ui Mhaoilosa barracks in Renmore have participated in Irish language productions, and armaments have been borrowed by the theatre from time to time. "We are used to having the FCA here to take responsibility for guns and suchlike, but this is a bit different."

She said the cross-Border co-operation was a "great sign of the times". If both police forces could work so well on artistic events, it sets a very positive note for the future, she said. The uniform is expected to be returned across the Border in another security operation next week.