PFNI: ‘Time to translate words into meaningful financial support’

Police Federation of Northern Ireland chair Liam Kelly said: “We’ve seen all sides express condemnation and revulsion over Saturday night’s car bombing.

“The words of the Prime Minister and all the main political parties here are welcome. Now, it’s time they give their words of support for our officers some practical meaning.

“The Service is about 700 officers short of the 7,000 target outlined by the chief constable and some 2,200 below the figure that’s needed for a population of more than 1.9 million.

“This is unsustainable and requires urgent attention by both national Government and Stormont.”

Mr Kelly said two things need to happen: “Firstly, we have to have a significant increase in the PSNI budget over a three-year budget period.

“Secondly, we must see a change of heart at Westminster on legacy. The PSNI is left to pick up the tab for legacy cases running into many millions of pounds when the Government should be bearing the cost.

“Our officers are stretched to breaking and it’s a dire situation that can’t continue. I am calling on the government to live up to its responsibilities when it comes to policing and legacy in Northern Ireland. Passing the parcel between London and Belfast has to stop.”

Mr Kelly alsos described a statement by the dissident republican group calling itself New IRA as bearing “all the hallmarks of fascist thugs and cowards”.

He said: “ This is a pathetic claim of responsibility for the Dunmurry PSNI station attack. No one wants to hear old rhetoric dressed as new from a small, self-styled group. This is a pathetic attempt to show some relevance.

“Our officers know they have to remain vigilant both on and off duty and it has been that way throughout the 25 years the Service has been in existence.

“Secondly, it’s time political rhetoric is translated into action. I want outright, unequivocal statements from our leaders, particularly those from republican/nationalist parties, Church and civic organisations, condemning this cowardly attempt to bully and intimidate our police colleagues and the extended police family.

“It’s time for them to get off the fence to show they are 100 per cent supportive of the work our men and women do in all communities to investigate crime and safeguard people. Nothing else will do.”

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Policing Board said: “Those who have issued the claim of responsibility for the attack on Dunmurry station are living in a past that nobody wants.

“As a Board we welcome the strength of political and community support voiced for policing over recent days, and the collective condemnation of those who want to bring terror to our community and harm to our policing service.

“It is completely unacceptable that police officers, and their families, are subject to such threats. We urge anyone who has any information that can assist the investigation to report it to the PSNI or anonymously through Crimestoppers”