The SDLP has hit out at the “ridiculous overreaction” to a viral video showing a police vehicle flying an Armagh flag in Camlough after the Orchard County’s All-Ireland triumph on Sunday.
Unionist leaders have “raised concerns” with the PSNI Chief Constable and the Police Ombudsman, but SDLP Councillors Killian Feehan & Pete Byrne have branded the backlash against the officers as “pantomime politics.”
Councillor Byrne was a key figure in developing the South Armagh Policing Review and Councillor Feehan is a member of the Newry Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
South Armagh SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne said:
“I was involved in shaping the South Armagh Policing Review, and one of the core components of that review was boosting local trust in policing and enhancing community relations.
“The visual of a PSNI officer reaching out the hand of friendship to local people celebrating Armagh’s All-Ireland win on Sunday was incredibly powerful. As far as I’m concerned, the officer deserves a commendation, not investigation.
Newry SDLP Councillor Killian Feehan said:
“The police officers in Camlough who got involved in the Armagh victory celebrations have done more to boost community relations in our area than any glossy brochure or public relations campaign ever could.
“At a recent meeting of our local Policing and Community Safety Partnership, I called for the committee to recognise the positive impact that these officers had on community relations. I think the calls for disciplinary action are completely over the top. These officers should be getting a pat on the back, not a slap on the wrist.
ENDS
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