« A Just Cause | Police Busy Behind The Scenes » |
Arresting Bomb Suspects is "Political Policing"
Francie Brolly, Sinn Fein's East Londonderry MLA was one of 4 people arrested yesterday over the 1972 Claudy bombing. Also arrested was GAA reporter Seamus Mullan. Not that it matters mind you because presumably they'll be covered under the early release terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Now there's a depressing thought. Still, at the end of the day I suppose the victims' families would like to know who did it and put a face to the figure who took away their loved ones.
Obviously, because Mr Brolly is one of their own, his arrest was "one of the most blatant examples of political policing seen here in recent times" according to Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness. The Party's chief negotiator seems to have forgotten about Sean Kelly quickly enough.
Follow up:
According to the Sinn Fein website "Republicans will hold a protest outside Dungiven PSNI Barracks at 2pm today demanding an end to political policing and the release to Francie Brolly."
Let's look at exactly what Sinn Fein are doing here:
"Republicans will hold a protest" - there's a surprise. There's nothing like an anti-state protest to rouse the rabble, is there? Still appealing to the same basest elements of their support.
"outside Dungiven PSNI Barracks" - PSNI Barracks? I think you'll find the term is police station - but then again barracks helps keep up the pretence that there's a military occupation or something
"end to political policing" - another chance for Sinn Fein to play their favourite "we're the victims" card.
"and the release of Francie Brolly" - getting one of their own released whether he's guilty or not - well Sinn Fein should be well practiced at that by now.
So it seems The Party will suspend a member for disagreeing with The Leader over how many councils the Occupied 6 Counties should have, but will stick by its members when they're accused of committing the murders of 9 people (including 3 children) - at least if there's a chance to attack the police service.