Larne Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chairperson Mark McKinty has called into question the dedication of SF representatives in supporting the Police.
Speaking following recent comments from PCSP Member Cllr McKeown in the press, the Ulster Unionist representative said: "I am deeply disappointed, although not entirely surprised at Cllr McKeown's comments in last week's paper. His attitude is sadly indicative of Sinn Fein's appalling lack of support for local policing and community safety, and I would challenge their local representatives to seriously reconsider their dedication to a safer, more prosperous Larne."
"For Cllr McKeown to brand the PCSP as 'toothless' is a bit rich, given that it has been an age since he last attended a meeting of the partnership. There are certain issues of procedure which I inherited upon assuming the Chair of Larne's PCSP in June, yet I have worked hard to ensure that we are able to move forward in the interest of the people of Larne. In all that time, not once has Cllr McKeown darkened the door..."
"For Cllr McKeown to brand the PCSP as 'toothless' is a bit rich, given that it has been an age since he last attended a meeting of the partnership. There are certain issues of procedure which I inherited upon assuming the Chair of Larne's PCSP in June, yet I have worked hard to ensure that we are able to move forward in the interest of the people of Larne. In all that time, not once has Cllr McKeown darkened the door..."
"The setup of the PCSP is unique. In attendance at meetings are 10 elected representatives and 9 community representatives - from all walks of life - and representatives of the PSNI, including the local Chief Inspector, Inspector and Sergeant. Questions or concerns about community safety or local policing can be put directly to those who patrol our streets. Sinn Fein, of course, prefer to boycott meetings and report their concerns to the press."
"In addition, a number of other bodies also attend meetings, including the Housing Executive, NEELB, Department of Justice and Fire Service, allowing the PCSP and PSNI to plan strategically with the support and benefit of the experience which these representatives offer."
"I repeat my sentiments from last month: SF made lots of noise in 2012 to ensure that they were afforded a seat on the Larne PCSP, and I would now call on them to stop acting up to the press, to get serious about supporting policing and community safety in our area and urge their representative to turn up to meetings."
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1. Original article in which I challenged Oliver McMullan MLA to report crime to the police and not to the press:
2. Cllr James McKeown's response to my article:
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