The SDLP and Crime - Every Cloud etc.

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.