Sinn Fein and PSNI in war of words over Christmas card
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The PSNI in Newry and Sinn Fein are at loggerheads over a Christmas card sent to a Sinn Fein representative. Newry City Councillor Brendan Curran has spoke of his disappointment regarding a Christmas card he received from Newry & Mourne PSNI featuring an RUC logo. Councillor Curran, a District Policing Partnership member said, “Personally I found this card quite offensive and insensitive. The front of the card depicts a Santa Clause wearing both the badge of the PSNI and that of the RUC. Inside the card features both logos again and reads ‘RUCGC PSNI Benevolent Fund’.”
Brendan Curran holding the Christmas card
Councillor Curran continued, “I think that the PSNI has shown a lack of tact and diplomacy in issuing this Christmas card. I have absolutely no problem in receiving a card from the PSNI in principle, but the inclusion of the RUC logo is not appropriate. People in Newry don’t need to be reminded of the deplorable record of the RUC in this area. Republicans constantly hear about the need to move forward and leave the past behind and we are doing that by getting involved in policing and ensuring that local communities are served by an accountable police force as they should be but it is wrong that a Christmas card from the PSNI in 2011 should bear the RUC logo.”
He added, “The RUC was disbanded ten years ago and the PSNI introduced. It baffles me why the PSNI should seek to associate themselves in this day and age with such a discredited force.”
Reacting to the claims, a spokesman for the PSNI told Newry Times, “The Police Service of Northern Ireland has a proud record of charitable giving. For 2011 we chose the RUCGC and PSNI Benevolent Fund as our Charity of the Year. The Benevolent Fund provides assistance to serving and former officers, and their families, who are in need of support. This support extends to the families of deceased officers. The proceeds from the Christmas Card will be donated to the charity, hence the inclusion of the Benevolent Fund crest.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=2051
Posted by Newry Times News
on Dec 20 2011. Filed under News.
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From revelations in Smithwick we now understand that its alleged that 50% of PIRA leaders and 30% of foot soldiers were also working for MI5 and PSNI. Compalining about this card is therefore a bit rich. The SF Christmas Card should perhaps have the Army Benevolent Fund cest on it.
[…] was reacting to the heinous and unforgivable act of receiving a charity Christmas card that dared to carry symbols and words directly relating to the charity it was raising funds for. […]