Justice Minister Naomi Long has declared that support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) "must be unequivocal," responding to a call from Chief Constable Jon Boutcher for all political parties to demonstrate solidarity with the force.
Political Leaders Weigh In on Policing Support
Speaking on Wednesday, Long emphasised that police backing should not be conditional or selective. Her remarks followed a plea from Boutcher for unified political support, which has sparked debate among Stormont parties.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson challenged Sinn Fein to show more visible and vocal support for the PSNI, stating that "leadership has to be more than just condemnation." Alliance MLA Andrew Muir echoed this sentiment, suggesting all parties could do more, particularly Sinn Fein in terms of recruitment and public endorsement.
Sinn Fein Responds to Criticism
Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey pushed back on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, insisting her party is "not shy" about policing and "meant it" when they committed to a new beginning for policing. She stressed the need for a police service "representative of the community it serves," acknowledging that this goal has not yet been achieved.
Long Warns Against Policing as 'Political Football'
Speaking later on the Nolan Show, Alliance leader Long urged all parties to support the police at all times, warning against making policing a "political football." She stated: "We all need to support the police, and not only when we agree with what they’re doing or when we have the same position on issues, but we need to respect the job that they do, even where we might not be as comfortable with the outcomes."
Long added that while it is acceptable to be a "critical friend" and challenge the police to improve, conditional support can feel like an attack. She stressed the importance of an unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and a culture of lawfulness.
Accountability Mechanisms in Place
The Justice Minister highlighted that accountability is ensured through the Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman. "That’s the way policing works everywhere else, and it’s the only way policing will work," she said. "You’ve got to police with the consent of the community, and the community has got to accept the rule of law and the role of the police in upholding it, and that’s the social contract."
