Sinn Féin attends first PSNI graduation ceremony

Sinn Féin will attend the PSNI graduation ceremony for the first time on Friday, BBC News NI has learned.

Premier Michelle O’Neill and party police commissioner Gerry Kelly accepted an invitation to attend the event in Garnerville.

It will be the first time a Sinn Féin politician will attend the death of the PSNI since it was established 23 years ago.

Deputy Prime Minister Emma Little-Pengery is also expected to attend.

Alliance leader Naomi Long will attend the event as Minister of Justice.

However, Ulster Unionist Police Commissioner Mike Nesbitt criticized PSNI Chief Constable John Boucher for not inviting party leader Doug Beatty.

“By definition, it is not inclusive,” he said, stressing that the other three executive parties will also be represented at the ceremony.

Sinn Féin confirmed the party’s move in a short statement on Thursday night.

A spokesperson said: “The PSNI Student Officer Certification Ceremony will be held tomorrow, and many new recruits will be graduating.

“Michelle O” Neal will also be in attendance and take part in the ceremony. Sinn Féin Police Committee member Gerry Kelly MLA will also be in attendance. ”

Sinn Féin has been accused in the past of taking a lukewarm approach in supporting the PSNI.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne at the time described the move as “seismic and historic”.

He said he expected this to have a significant impact on the PSNI’s ability to recruit more Catholic staff.

But since then, Sinn Féin has declined invitations to attend PSNI graduation ceremonies.

Liam Kelly, from the Police Federation of Northern Ireland, said Sinn Féin members’ attendance would be a “bit of history” and hoped it would become the “new normal”.

“Unfortunately, the number of student officers graduating is small and far below what is urgently needed,” he added.

“We want the first minister to recognize the dire and poor conditions in which policing is placed and lead efforts to ensure adequate resources and meaningful recruitment.”

“Better late than never,” Democratic Rep. Gregory Campbell said.

He told BBC News NI’s Evening Extra: “It’s a clear welcome step that should have happened many years ago.”

“We hope this will lead to further support to get people across the community involved in policing. This is not just a statement, it means active support.”

Sinn Féin’s decision to end its boycott of the PSNI’s disappearance ceremony is significant.

This marks a turning point in the party’s visible support for the PSNI.

A long-awaited positive step has come almost 18 years after Ms Sinn Féin first registered with the police.

It also affects Michelle O’Neill’s promise to be a Prime Minister for everyone.

But will that help increase Catholic recruitment beyond the current 32% level?

Sinn Féin has previously called on the PSNI to do more to attract young Catholics.

Is the party now at the helm? Time will tell.

But don’t expect a PSNI parade of new recruits around Garnerville. It will be a modest gathering, with about six police officers passed out.