Sinn Fein hold out on policing demands

The British government has been playing dangerous games over theissue of police reform in Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin nationalchairman…

The British government has been playing dangerous games over theissue of police reform in Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin nationalchairman Mr Mitchel McLaughlin claimed today.

With the Northern peace process deadlocked over the issues ofpolicing, IRA disarmament and British demilitarisation, the Foyle MLAsaid the province's parties were entering a critical fortnight.

He said the British government had played dangerous games on this issue andhad delivered a Policing Bill which will deliver flawed policing.

Mr McLaughlin was speaking amid growing speculation the British andIrish governments will host round-table talks involving the pro- Agreement parties in Hillsborough.

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It is not believed the Taoiseach MrAhernor the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair will take part in the initial discussions and will only fly toNorthern Ireland if a breakthrough is likely.

Mr McLaughlin today dismissed claims that nationalists should bankthe gains they had made on policing instead of holding out for theimplementation of 100 per cent of their demands.

He said: "We have got considerable experience ofunaccountable police structures and 90 per centisn't good enough. Ninety percent won't do and there is no point in repeating the failure."

PA