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Friday, 30 October 2009

Reservists payment is 'buy-off' - SF

Government letter details police payment

The Government has been accused by Sinn Fein of trying to "buy off" the DUP on policing devolution with a multi-million pounds payout to former RUC reservists.

A letter outlining a side deal with the DUP was accidentally sent to Sinn Fein.

The letter signed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and addressed to Peter Robinson offers £20m to former part-time police officers.

Sinn Fein branded it a bid to "buy off" DUP support for the devolution of the justice powers and claimed government risked bringing the process into disrepute.

'Disrepute'

Republicans claimed the letter was sent, apparently mistakenly, to the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister at Stormont where mail is accessed by both Sinn Fein and the DUP because they share the top political office.

Sinn Fein Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said:

"Yesterday I was given a letter from Gordon Brown to Peter Robinson indicating that the British government has decided to issue a gratuity payment of £20m to former members of the RUC Part Time Reserve.

"When Gordon Brown raised this issue with ourselves, Martin McGuinness told him that such a payment was wrong and unacceptable and was no part of the process to transfer powers on policing and justice."

He added: "The effort to transfer policing and justice powers is being brought into disrepute by the British government's willingness to buy off the DUP.

"At a time of economic downturn, and huge pressures on working families and the disadvantaged, this payment is a waste of taxpayers' money."

DUP leader Peter Robinson said Downing Street should be more careful about how it handles communications.

Mr Robinson added: "For clarity, it should be known that the Prime Minister's office sent my letter to OFMDFM not knowing that Sinn Fein would be snooping on my correspondence."

Mr Robinson said he planned to discuss the financial offer with former RUC reservists when the mechanics of how the cash would be allocated was decided.

"These men and women served our country with great dignity and dedication, indeed some reservists paid the ultimate sacrifice," Mr Robinson said.

Ross Hussey, chairman of the RUC George Cross Association Part Time Officers Welfare Group, welcomed news of the cash support.

The dispute over the devolution of the powers has threatened the stability of the power-sharing government at Stormont.

Mr Brown has offered the parties a financial package estimated to be worth more than £800m to fund the devolution process, but while Sinn Fein has accepted his offer, the DUP has yet to do so.

Democratic Unionist leader Mr Robinson has also called for the scrapping of the Parades Commission to help ease tension over marches ahead of the devolution of powers into the hands of local politicians.

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7 Comments

At 14:53 on 02 November 2009, lorna wrote:

Why does Sinn Fein see everything as appeasing the Unionists and how come they read other parties mail. They do ill to those who put them into power.

At 19:18 on 01 November 2009, Andrew wrote:

The UDR ceased to exist in 1992, once again another person talking about a subject they know little about.

At 20:26 on 31 October 2009, seamas wrote:

Another brick in the unionist state dismantled. Goodbye protestant dominated paramilitary force. I don't care how much it costs. Good to see it.

At 16:40 on 31 October 2009, lorna wrote:

There would be some outcry if a letter for Sinn Fein fell into the hands of DUP and was read by them. How can SF claim they are to be trusted when they read other parties private mail. It shows how devious they are. I would ask for an inquiry as to how a letter for the DUP had "fallen" into their hands. This is very suspect.

At 01:27 on 31 October 2009, Denis wrote:

This is justice for those Policemen and women whose sacrifice was a devotion to their community and Nation in a time of a dire threat. What former criminals may think is not important. The silent majority will applaud this gesture of gratitude to Police Officers of the past.

At 22:13 on 30 October 2009, seamas wrote:

It'll be worth it to get rid of them.

At 19:43 on 30 October 2009, paul simpson wrote:

Long over due. Well done Mr Robinson for recognising the work and service carried out by the Parttime RUC Reservists. These people gave of their time, and in some cases their lives for this community and country. The part time UDR have been given financial recognition for their service on being stood down, so why should the Parttime RUC Reserve be discriminated against.