Sinn Fein in charge of policing would be a "kick in the teeth to decent society," Ulster Unionist Fermanagh and South Tyrone candidate Ms Arlene Foster said today.
If elected, she said, she would neither support nor vote for any member of Sinn Féin becoming a Minister for Policing and Justice "while any taint of terrorism remains".
She said she supported the principle of having a local minister in charge of policing and justice, but although it was a key item on the Sinn Féin shopping list and they could hold the post, there had to be concern.
"Are people really prepared for the nightmare of having a party still connected to terrorism in charge of their police force? When lawlessness has increased and confidence in law enforcement has diminished over recent years, such a development would be a further kick in the teeth for society," said Ms Foster.
Pointing to the prospect of Sinn Féin member Mr Gerry Kelly being appointed as minister she asked: "How could someone involved in the Maze escape become minister in charge of prisons?
"How could the man known as the Old Bailey bomber have credibility as a Minister of Justice?"
PA