The SDLP is willing to encourage young nationalists to seek careers in a reformed police force in the North, according to the party's deputy leader, Mr Seamus Mallon. "We will not allow bullying or intimidation from any quarter to deter us," he said. The Deputy First Minister was challenged by the Sinn Fein spokesman on policing, Mr Gerry Kelly, who said republicans were "still waiting for draft legislation promised by the British government which will spell out the detail of British intentions".
In an SDLP statement, Mr Mallon said his party "acknowledges the sacrifices made by many RUC officers down through the years, saving countless lives". He added: "We also acknowledge that others suffered at the hands of the police. In this context, any discussion of policing inevitably causes anger and pain."
The Patten report had offered a "lucid and impressive blueprint" for a police service with which all could identify and last week's statement by the Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, had brought the prospect closer still.
The next steps should be the publication of legislation and a detailed implementation plan. "The SDLP will be vigilant throughout the process and will monitor every detail."
Mr Mallon said the SDLP was willing to participate in the new policing board and district policing partnerships. "We are also willing to encourage others - particularly young nationalists - to do likewise by seeking careers in the police service of Northern Ireland. We will not allow bullying or intimidation from any quarter to deter us."
In a Sinn Fein statement, Mr Kelly said: "Seamus Mallon must be in the fortunate position of knowing something that the rest of us don't. The fact of the matter is that we are still waiting for draft legislation promised by the British government which will spell out the detail of British intentions with regard to future policing arrangements. Until we have sight of this detail none of us is in a position to recommend or reject anything."