1 October 1998 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

SDLP supports draconian laws

Derry City Sinn Fein councillor, Peter Anderson, has slammed the SDLP members on the council after they sided with the unionist minority to block a motion condemning the new laws introduced by the British and Dublin governments which could see internment reintroduced by the backdoor.

Numerous human rights groups have condemned the legislation which allows people to be convicted solely on the word of an RUC man.

Anderson expressed disappointment at the defeat of his motion adding, ``the publicly stated position of the SDLP's spokesperson on policing was that it would be madness to allow the RUC access to this legislation but it would appear that the SDLP in Derry feels able to pick and choose what issues Council should or should not adopt a position upon. This a la carte approach not only undermines the role of Council but actually subverts the concept of local democracy.''

When proposing the motion Anderson had said, ``those political leaders who have advocated and supported the enactment in Dublin and London of a number of so-called security measures are contributing to the subversion of the Good Friday document. The potential for abuse of this legislation - particularly in the hands of the RUC whose very existence is very much under scrutiny - and the negative impact it will hold for many people who endorsed the Good Friday package should have served as a restraint for those politicians who have unquestioningly accepted the erroneous need for such repressive measures.''


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland