Everything Ulster - Election 2005

Slugger O'Toole reports on an article in the Irish Times (subs required) on the Policing Board's decision to approve a 'less lethal' plastic bullet, although there was opposition from the SDLP.

Some background: Plastic bullets have caused controversy in Northern Ireland throughout the troubles, and nationalists especially are against their use. Plastic bullets are used by the PSNI, instead of live rounds as they are less likely to result in death. However there have been cases where the firing of plastic bullets have led to the targets dying later from severe injuries.

The recommendation to endorse the new form of plastic bullet, which is supposedly less lethal, came originally from Hugh Orde, the Cheif Constable of the PSNI. The policing board has accepted Hugh Orde's advice and agreed, in principle, to allow the police to use the new "attenuating energy projectile", despite SDLP opposition.

The interesting part of this story, from an election point of view, is the reaction from the various parties...

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