Owner of Waterfoot hotel has cancelled a PSNI recruitment event for this Saturday
THE owner of a Derry hotel due to host a PSNI recruitment event this weekend has cancelled it.
Garvan O’Doherty of the Waterfoot Hotel in the Waterside has pulled the plug on this Saturday’s familiarisation event for “health and safety reasons”.
Dissident republicans left a “viable improvised explosive device” at the the hotel last Friday forcing staff and guests to be evacuated.
A controlled explosion was carried out following the discovery of the device in the hotel grounds.
The PSNI described the incident as “shameless”.
Police were planning to put extra resources at the hotel this weekend to prevent any repetition of last Friday’s bomb alert.
But today Mr O’Doherty said he “must take into consideration the safety and well-being of my staff and customers”.
Republican Network for Unity – a group linked to dissident republican organisation Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH) – had planned to hold a protest at the event this Saturday.
Earlier today, RNU spokesman Tony Taylor had urged supporters to converge on the hotel this weekend to protest at the PSNI recruitment day.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said this afternoon that following conversations with the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry, and taking into consideration the concerns of the business and local residents, the PSNI recruitment familiarisation event planned for this Saturday (17th) will no longer take place at this venue.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “I am aware of the disruption that was caused by the security operation in Derry last week and would like to thank everyone who co-operated and worked with our officers. I would also like to thank the management and staff at the hotel for their support throughout.
“We are currently seeking an alternative venue for this event and remain committed to providing encouragement and information to those who wish to find out more about the opportunities that exist within the Police Service.
“Clearly there are people out there in today’s society who are still intent on targeting our police service and causing harm to our communities. We know, however, that the actions of these few misguided individuals will not stop people pursuing a career in policing.
“In fact we’ve already had almost 2,700 applications in this current recruitment process and I would continue to strongly encourage those interested in joining the PSNI and who want to make a positive contribution to Northern Ireland to apply.
“We need individuals who understand the benefits of policing with the community and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Police Service is reflective of our society and welcome applications from across all sections of the community.”
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