SF announces public meetings on policing

Conor Murphy and Mary Lou McDonald announced details of the public meetings in advance of the Ard Fheis on Policing

In Belfast on Tuesday, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald, Councillor Caral Ní Chuilin and Conor Murphy MP announced details of the public meetings in advance of the Ard Fheis on Policing.

“As we outlined after our Ard Chomhairle meeting last weekend we are committed to conducting a widespread consultation and debate with the republican grassroots in the run up to the special Ard Fheis on 28 January. We’re also committed to holding a series of meetings with the wider republican and nationalist community, including the families of our patriot dead and victims of state murder and collusion”, McDonald said.

She continued: “Part of this will include internal party meetings, bigger republican gatherings and six public meetings beginning this Saturday. The public meetings will be scheduled as follows:

Saturday 20

• 2pm — Arby’s, Toome

• 6pm — Galbally, County Tyrone

Sunday 21

• 6.30pm — Newcastle Centre

Monday 22

• 7pm — Canal Court Hotel, Newry

Tuesday 23

• 7.00pm — Slieve Russell, Ballyconnell

Wednesday 24

• 8pm — Devinish Complex, Belfast

Thursday 25

• 7pm — Millennium Centre, Derry

“An additional public meeting will be held in North Armagh. These meetings will provide an opportunity for ordinary members of the public to come along and engage in this crucial debate. Members of the party leadership and local area representatives will take part in all of the public meetings.

“Ending political and partisan policing and establishing a democratically accountable policing service in the north is a massive challenge for all nationalists and republicans. However achieving such an outcome would be a massive advance. We now believe that engaging in this consultation and debate and holding a special Ard Fheis is the necessary next step.”