PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott.
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott has been accused by Derry MLA Raymond McCartney of being arrogant and unable to deal with criticism.
The Sinn Fein representative, vice-chairperson of the Justice Committee, was responding to remarks by Mr Baggott in which he said “police are tasked with following the evidence without fear or favour and in accordance with the law.”
Mr McCartney said: “Matt Baggott would say that of course, but his comments are arrogant and don’t reflect the reality of how the PSNI has dealt with the issue of the past.
“Where is the evidence that the police are actively pursuing the killers involved in the Ballymurphy Massacre or in Derry’s Bloody Sunday?
“Why are they still refusing to hand files over to the Irish government about the killings of 33 people in the Dublin/Monaghan bombings?
“Why are they continuing to hurt and frustrate families who have had to go to the courts to get documents, which are on public record?
Derry Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney.
“Why are they obstructing inquests into victims of State killings by refusing to hand over files?
“The British Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said she wanted to move the focus away from state killings just three weeks ago.
“I don’t recall Matt Baggott coming out publicly then to say that the police would follow the evidence without fear or favour or accusing Theresa Villiers of political interference.”
Mr McCartney concluded: “Matt Baggott doesn’t do criticism but Sinn Féin will continue to hold him and the PSNI to account.”
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