North’s political leaders condemn poster threats aimed at prison officers and PSNI

The leaders of several Northern Ireland political parties have released a joint statement opposing intimidation of prison officers and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The statement was made in response to a video on social media showing Northern Ireland Prison Service recruitment posters being removed from a bus stop in Derry by members of a republican group.

The video also shows posters opposing the PSNI being put up.

The joint statement was released by DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie and Colum Eastwood, leader of the SDLP.

It said: “We are aware of video footage showing individuals removing prison service recruitment advertisements and posting anti-PSNI posters.

“We offer our full support to all those working within these services, and to the recruitment process under way within the Prison Service.

“There can be no place for those who engage in threats or intimidation towards those who serve the community as prison officers or within the PSNI.

“Those engaging in such tactics do not speak for the people who we represent as political leaders.

“We encourage everyone in our society to consider the PSNI and the NI Prison Service as valuable career opportunities.” – PA