Former MLA welcomes Sinn Féin policing move 20 years after abuse

A FORMER West Tyrone MLA who endured three car bombings due to his support for policing two decades ago, has welcomed the attendance of Sinn Féin members at a PSNI graduation ceremony on Friday.

The SDLP’s Eugene McMenamin faced severe backlash in 2002 when he joined the fledgling NI Policing Board.

He endured ‘intense abuse’, including a protest where over 100 demonstrators attempted to enter his Strabane residence.

“It certainly wasn’t an easy time,” said Mr McMenamin. “But we have moved into a different era now.”

Mr McMenamin was speaking after Sinn Féin deputy leader and First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, and Policing Board member, Gerry Kelly, attended a PSNI graduation ceremony on Friday.

Mr McMenamin served in the Assembly for West Tyrone from its inception in 1998 until 2007.

He remembers intense debate over whether or not the SDLP should support new policing structures in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement.

“At the time, the SDLP had 24 assembly members, and we ultimately made a unaminous vote in favour of joining the Policing Board,” Mr McMenamin said.

“We certainly thought long and hard about that decision, but if we hadn’t made it, then Northern Ireland would never have moved on like it has.

“Thank God those days are now long gone, and it’s great to see the Assembly back up and running.”

Mr McMenamin also praised his wife and sons, whom he said offered him ‘significant support’ as he made key political decisions at the time.

Speaking after Friday’s graduation ceremony, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said, “As well as an extremely proud and special day for our newest police officers, who have attested as Constables, we were pleased to welcome the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Justice Minister who attended today’s event.

“This will be the last group of officers who will attest until October 2024, and we look forward to receiving positive news from the NI Executive that will allow the PSNI to be resourced to the levels required to continue to keep people safe.”