18th May 2000

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Sinn Fein reaction to Oversight Commissioner leak to BBC

West Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Bairbre de Brún, party spokesperson on policing, reacting to the BBC leak about the Oversight Commissioner.

Ms. de Brun said:

``Patten recommended that the Oversight Commissioner should be appointed as soon as possible to oversee the changes required of all those involved in the development of the new policing arrangements and assure the community that all aspects of the Patten report are being implemented and being seen to be implemented.

``Delay in appointing an Oversight Commissioner would allow the British Government to move the goalposts and allow the securocrats to minimise change with impunity.

``The Patten report also made it clear that the Oversight Commissioner would `provide more than a stock-taking function' and would provide an important impetus to the process of transformation. Those opposed to change clearly do not wish this to happen.''ENDS

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