PSNI refuse to say if Sinn Fein bodyguards armed
20 February 2009
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister MEP
Following disturbing reports about Sinn Fein “bodyguards” being facilitated by the granting of licences to carry firearms, I wrote to the Chief Constable expressly asking if this was so.
I am disappointed that the PSNI has been unable to deny the suggestion or allay my fears in this regard. I fear there may be significance in the fact that the PSNI reply does not take the opportunity to deny such a practice. Instead, it limply says:-
“In relation to your question regarding the holding of PPWs by Sinn Fein ‘bodyguards’ personal information on individual firearm certificate holders is not routinely disclosed to third parties.”
The inference seems clear: if there was no such “personal information” to disclose, because no Shinner “bodyguards” are armed, then why not say so?
This is a matter of the utmost public interest, particularly at a time when Sinn Fein’s demands on policing and justice are beginning to be rolled out.
I, therefore, call on the Chief Constable, without equivocation or obfuscation, to tell the public if Sinn Fein “bodyguards”, who everyone knows strut around with Sinn Fein Ministers and others, are armed and, if so, by whose authority.
I would regard it as scandalous if they were, not least since I am inundated with complaints from ex-security force personnel who are having renewal of their PPWs refused.
Has the new Northern Ireland reached such perversity that ex-terrorists can be armed, but ex-policemen and soldiers must be disarmed? It is time Sir Hugh Orde came clean on this issue!”
