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David Ford criticises protesters at PSNI recruitment event

DUP MP Gregory Campbell arriving at the gates where republicans picketed about a PSNI recruitment event in Derry.  Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
DUP MP Gregory Campbell arriving at the gates where republicans picketed about a PSNI recruitment event in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin DUP MP Gregory Campbell arriving at the gates where republicans picketed about a PSNI recruitment event in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

JUSTICE Minister David Ford has hit out at protesters who picketed a police recruitment fair in Derry.

The Alliance leader was pictured at the re-scheduled event with assistant chief constable Mark Hamilton.

The event went ahead in St Columb's Park House a week after it was cancelled at the Waterfoot Hotel in the city following the discovery of an explosive device.

It was one of a series of co-ordinated security alerts at venues where the PSNI had been due to host recruitment information sessions.

The justice minister said: "I was pleased to attend the PSNI familiarisation event in Derry. It was good to see people from the local community, who are interested in joining the PSNI, come along to hear first hand what is involved."

A small group of republican protesters were blocked from entering the gates of the venue and dispersed a short time later.

Mr Ford said: "It is a pity that people who regularly argue for civil rights tried to deny others the right to attend the event. I would thank the people who were not put off by the protest and attended both sessions.

"Already several thousand people have submitted applications to join the PSNI. This level of interest shows how people recognise the invaluable role the PSNI plays right across the community."

DUP East Derry MP and MLA Gregory Campbell, who also attended the event along with fellow DUP politicians, reportedly told the protesters he was pleased that so many Catholics were interested in joining the PSNI.

He later wrote on his Facebook page that he had "confronted the dissident losers at the Police Recruitment event" posting a picture of the protesters as headed away from the venue.