Former IRA leader set to join DPP

A former IRA leader is to join Fermanagh District Policing Partnership (DPP).

Sean Lynch, who was jailed for 12 years for attempting to bomb an Army patrol, survived an SAS ambush.

The appointment has angered Ulster Unionist councillor and MLA Tom Elliott.

"Let's remember that just a decade ago that this member was a leader of the IRA in the Maze prison," said Mr Elliott.

"What I want to know is is he totally committed to Northern Ireland, is he totally committed to the betterment of the province and the betterment of policing in Northern Ireland?

"And has he left the IRA or is he still a member? I think these are questions that need to be answered."

However, Sinn Fein's ALex Maskey defended the party's decision.

"Republicans are as entitled as anyone else to be appointed as independent members of the local district policing partnerships," he said.

District policing partnerships are made up of councillors and members of the local community, who work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

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