23rd February 2009

DUP’s position is obscene

Leslie Cree MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Member of the Policing Board has outlined his deep regret at the DUP’s attack on his Party for supporting a motion in the Assembly which called for recommendations in a Prison Service Ombudsman’s Report into the death of Gordon Bell, to be implemented.

In a statement Mr. Cree said:

"This Ombudsman Report does not represent an attack on our prison service staff – the death of Gordon Bell in custody was a tragic event that could have been prevented if better procedures and training had been put in place for prison service staff to follow.

The Report’s recommendations seek to ensure that a death such as Gordon Bell’s cannot happen again. I believe these recommendations will be welcomed by all prison staff.

The DUP are playing politics with a tragic case of preventable suicide and this is to be deeply regretted. Their irresponsible politics is based solely on a bigoted hatred for Sinn Fein and a loathing for the Ulster Unionist Party. The DUP are acting with utter irresponsibility which in no way represents the interests of the prison service, the justice system or the people of Northern Ireland. If the DUP had serious objections they could and should have tabled an Amendment to the motion.

The Ulster Unionist Party believes strongly in the rule of law and strongly supports all aspects of the justice system. This includes the Prison Service and its staff. However, we refuse to play hate-filled politics on any issue and especially on something as important and sensitive as this.

Ends