The SDLP were once a party I would have voted for without question. However it would appear to me that it has lost direction and no longer has people of the abilities of Hume or Mallon to encourage the loyalty and faith of the electorate.
To me a classic example of the state of mind of the SDLP is to be found in its reaction to crime clear up rates issued by the PSNI regarding burglaries in Newry and Mourne.
In a calander year (Feb 06-Jan 07) 367 domestic burglaries were reported and 24 were cleared up. This is a success rate of 6.53%. Now when I went to school, and it a few more years than I care to remember now, this % result would have been seen as abject failure, both by the school and my parents. But not if you are an SDLP member of the District Policing Partnership. Gary Stokes, for it is he, decribed this result as the PSNI getting "modest success" and wonders if the PSNI "let their guard down on occasions". This really is forceful criticism and I am sure will spur the PSNI on to take immediate action such is the fury of Mr. Stokes. I was of the belief that the SDLP joined the Policing Boards to hold the PSNI accountable, not to try to put a positive spin on its failures.With figures like these the PSNI may as well roll out the red carpet and put a sign up welcoming all burglars to our area.
I suppose Mr Stokes reckons we should be grateful that at least 24 were cleared up.
7 comments:
May I thank the contributor for their comments on burglary on 30 March. The PSNI's performance in this area is unacceptable. I formally raised this at a DPP meeting on 29 March. Since I was first appointed to the DPP in February 2003 the PSNI have occasionally made slight improvements in this area only to slip back again. They have a long way to go to improve performance.
Thank you for your comment Gary. My point is that the interview in Democrat where you referred to figures as "modest success" gave the impression that you were putting a positive spin on them. I agree they are unacceptable and just wish that you had called it such without the spin. I hope you can hold the PSNI to account to improve their performance with a clear strategy for the Newry and Mourne area.
Anyone would be escused for getting this impression from the Newry Democrat - a paper that whilst mainting a balnce with column inches, openly favours SF with regards to article placement and favourable photo choices.
However, it is a bit ridiculous to call this "spin".. To do so suggests deceit which I don't believe to be the case here. The fact the the Cllr Stokes 9who i have no connection with) is in the public domain commenting on it raises only helps to raise public awareness on the matter and let the PSNI know that the people of N&M are watching them.
Congratulations to Gary Stokes and others who have the bravery to sit on the DPP whilst others were issuing threats - at least he and the other DPP members had the guts to face the police and question them on their performance or otherwise - I am sure you will find that the SDLP and other people who sit on the DPP will be in there battling for better and more accountable policing for Newry and Mourne and not sitting on the sidelines like others until their leader decides that it is time to jump on board - all this talk about getting policing right before joining the DPP was a load of nonsense - what has dramaticallly changed for instance over the last 6 months in policing stategy that has allowed SF to come on board - nothing but a chance of power in Stormont and the 'gulls' have fallen for it hook line and sinker!!
The only change that SF will argue they have achieved is that their joining Policing Boards is conditional on restoration of devolution and a commitment that Justice powers will be devolved within a certain timeframe. But you are right that PSNI have not changed.
Both DUP and SF have made big changes in attitude to take this opportunity to share power, and it is a pity this did not happen sooner.
It will be interesting to see how SF will hold PSNI accountable from within Policing Boards. Its much easier to criticize from outside as any blogger knows.
Yes I agree 'point of view' and SF will be able to do it free from the intimidation that those who went before them had to endure and are still enduring. Maybe SF should now be named 'Stoopie Followers' Though 21% of police now come from the minority community and that is indeed a change since the SDLP joined and made the decision much easier for Gerry et al
I think that events in the Strabane area in the last few days show that taking positions on the policing boards is not without risk. It may well be that this is meant to be a warning to Sinn Fein. But I hope the idiots still opposed to peace in Northern Ireland will finally get the message that there is no support for them.
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