Ford slams Donaldson's comments on the PSNI full-time reserve

5.03.00pm GMT Mon 9th Nov 2009

"I believe the Police Service, under the leadership of Matt Baggott, is capable of delivering impartial community policing for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland." - David Ford MLA

Alliance Leader David Ford has hit out at Jeffrey Donaldson for his comments over the full-time reserve saying he should not be interfering in matter which the operational responsibility of the Chief Constable.

David Ford said: "Matt Baggott, as Chief Constable has operational responsibility for policing Northern Ireland. He has carried out a review and given his assessment that the full-time reserve can be phased out. Whatever opinion individuals may have, we should respect the Chief Constable's professional assessment in an area for which he has full responsibility.

"Jeffrey Donaldson's statement is extremely dangerous. It suggests that politicians should have the right to direct the Chief Constable in a way which is totally contrary to modern policing. Many of the difficulties experienced by the RUC in the late 1960s arose from political direction by unionist politicians. Such political direction would be intolerable for the PSNI.

"I believe the Police Service, under the leadership of Matt Baggott, is capable of delivering impartial community policing for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland. Police officers deserve the opportunity to carry out their duties without interference from politicians like Jeffrey Donaldson."