LISTEN - PSNI Chief addresses failure to disclose information on legacy case

by Gráinne Connolly

The policing board held a special meeting earlier today, to discuss the PSNI's failure to disclose important information about a notorious loyalist shooting.

The newly discovered files have opened new lines of enquiry into the 1992 Sean Graham Bookies massacre on the Ormeau Road in Belfast, where 5 people were killed.

(Sean Graham Bookies on Ormeau Road, Belfast)

Speaking after the meeting Board Chair Anne Connolly said, "The issues arising from legacy matters continue to have a seriously detrimental impact on policing and public confidence but most importantly on the victims and families of all those who have been affected by our troubles and are seeking information or justice.

"The Board as the accountability body for policing, convened this special meeting to question the Chief Constable on the Report received.  

"It highlights a series of issues which centre on system failure, resourcing, IT, skills and training issues in respect of the PSNI meeting its disclosure responsibilities in this specific case and potentially others.

"It is the Board’s job to make sure that the police meet their statutory duties and at today’s session Members sought clarification and explanation on how this disclosure failure occurred.

"The Chief Constable was asked to outline the immediate steps and actions that can be taken to address this situation and restore confidence in the PSNI approach.  

"The Chief Constable has shared with the Board the Terms of Reference of an internal review that has been initiated to examine the failings identified and the Board sought assurances that this review will be resourced and completed expeditiously with regular monthly updates on progress with implementing the measures outlined. 

"The Board will also be seeking a meeting with the Chief Inspector of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate to discuss the remit, terms of  reference and scope of his review and the timescale for completion." 

(PSNI Chief Constable, George Hamilton)

Chief Constable George Hamilton says he doesn't expect families of those involved in the atrocity to accept his apology and that lessons need to be learned from the incident. 

(Sinn Féin MLA, Gerry Kelly - a member of the NI Policing Board)

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly who sits on the policing board says he doesn't think this will be the last time an incident like this will occur.

He think legacy documents should be taken away from the PSNI: 

The Policing Board also revealed it's sought legal advice over the appointment process of the next Chief Constable.

It follows controversial comments made by Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald last week.

She said she would not have confidence in any current member of the PSNI senior command team replacing Mr Hamilton when he retires in the summer.

However, in response to those comments the Police Chief accused Mrs McDonald of "poor leadership": 

Northern Ireland’s @ChiefConPSNI George Hamilton has accused Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald of “poor leadership” over her comments about his potential successor: pic.twitter.com/L2YfbVtq4s

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 26 February 2019

Mr Hamilton suggested Mary Lou McDonald had "contaminated" and "interfered" with the selection process.

"I think Mary Lou McDonald was wrong.

"I think she was inaccurate and I think it was an act of poor leadership and it has a very detrimental impact on policing and on the peace we are all trying to build.

"I think it's got us into an unfortunate pickle, it would be far better if wiser words, more measured words had been used and words that did not contaminate or interfere with the selection process."

(SDLP's Delores Kelly - a member of the NI Policing Board)

SDLP board member Dolores Kelly said: "We are in this place seeking legal advice because of what Mary Lou McDonald has said.

"This is a hole that Sinn Fein has dug for the Policing Board and, more particularly, for themselves.

"They have done damage to the hard-won equality legislation and principles of fair employment that the SDLP, and many others, fought for over many years, coming from the civil rights movement.

"Sinn Fein needs to find a fix around this. What we all want to seek is the best person for the job, regardless of where they come from."

Meanwhile, DUP board member Mervyn Storey accused her of "damaging" the merit principle: