Sinn Fein has been dismissive of the expressed willingness of the RUC Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, to engage in dialogue with the party on the future of policing. Mr Flanagan said he would be prepared to meet Sinn Fein to discuss policing, but he added that the party's demands for the disbandment of the RUC were unrealistic.
The RUC Chief Constable in a documentary being broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster this morning (11.30 a.m.) said everybody had a right to express an opinion about policing, but such opinions should go beyond the mere expressions of slogans.
His talks offer comes as the Patten Commission on Policing continues its round of public meetings throughout Northern Ireland. When the commission held meetings in nationalist west and north Belfast this week it was left in no doubt that those present wanted the RUC disbanded.
While Sinn Fein is viewing Mr Flanagan's comments as his first overture to the party to engage in talks, it nonetheless treated the invitation with disdain. The party's justice spokeswoman, Ms Bairbre de Brun, said: "The only people we are interested in speaking to about the future of the RUC are the British government, and the Independent Commission on Policing."
