Top Cop 'Offensive', Says Northern MLA

A prominent Ulster Unionist MLA has reacted angrily to comments made by the North's Chief Constable Matt Baggott that he has "no problem with dissident republicans".

Tom Elliott said that the newly appointed police chief's media interview was also cause for concern when he said the Irish border was "artificial in terms of policing".

The MLA said: "Perhaps the most offensive comments in Matt Baggot's interview were the words, "I have no problems with dissident republicans". Taking the top cop to task, Mr Elliot said: "The viewpoint of dissident republicanism is simple - they endorse the use of violence to pursue their goal of British withdrawal and Irish unity. Indeed, violence is the central plank of their viewpoint. And it is that viewpoint which our Chief Constable has no problem with?

"I, as an Ulster Unionist, have a problem with the viewpoint of dissident republicans; for those dissidents are determined to drive unionism out of Northern Ireland and into a united Ireland. So it really does worry me that our new Chief Constable has such a laidback view of terrorists."

"His comments show his ignorance of the policing situation of Northern Ireland, his insensitivity towards the subject and a complete disregard for the fragility of the political situation," he continued.

"It is deeply unhelpful and disappointing that the Chief Constable for the second time in recent weeks is involving himself in political spin - he is at least naive or worse providing a political mouthpiece for the NIO."

Turning to the border, the MLA said: "To describe the border as 'artificial' even if he is only talking in terms of policing is completely unacceptable and these political comments from our new Chief Constable will leave many Unionists reeling.

"I live in the border area - I have been brought up in the border area. I have seen how the police and members of the public have been constantly targeted by republicans. How therefore can he say that the border is artificial - in saying so he is playing into the dissidents hands."

The interview in today's Belfast Telegraph relates how the policing boss won't be deterred from his ongoing plan for creating a 'peace-time police force'.

He said that he is determined to keep the situation in civil police hands and will seek assistance from other constabularies, if necessary, rather than recall the Army should the dissident threat lead to a further deterioration of the security situation.

He also said that he has sufficient resources to meet the threat and to provide a complete conventional policing service.

(BMcc/GK)