The Church of Ireland
Press Release

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, today called on everyone to give the revised implementation plans for policing in Northern Ireland a fair chance.

Archbishop Eames said: "Last May at the General Synod I encouraged Church of Ireland young people to consider a career in the new Police Service for Northern Ireland. Nothing I have read or heard since has changed my opinion.

"I have read the recent implementation document carefully and it is my personal opinion that our society should give these plans a fair chance.

"Of course there are questions I have about certain sections but I am prepared to watch developments over the next year and review progress in the light of experience.

"But as long as a security threat continues the Government has a clear moral duty to provide us with realistic protection. For too long policing in this Province has been a pawn. I believe we now have a basis for a new start."