by Ian Cullen
Hardline republicans - who organised a "well attended" public debate in Toomebridge on Thursday last to discuss the issue - have anounced that a series of meetings are to take place across the North.
A 12-strong 'focus group' is organising the meetings in an attempt to highlight what it regards as a Sinn Fein "sell-out". The 'focus group' is made up of representatives of the IRSP, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, (the political wings of the INLA and Real IRA respectively) independent republicans and what are being described as "disillusioned Sinn Fein members".
Willie Gallagher, a Strabane-based IRSP representative on the group, said a number of items will be up for discussion at the gatherings, with Sinn Fein's proposals for policing at the top of the agenda.
"Republicans in all areas are crying out for meetings on the issue. It's been suggested that after Christmas there'll be public meetings in East Tyrone, then possibly Derry City and then Strabane.Last Thursday's meeting in Toombridge was very well attended by around 200 to 250 people."
He said the group met in Belfast recently to get the ball rolling in terms of opposition to Sinn Fein's proposed move.
"Afterwards we were approached by a lot of people, including Sinn Fein members, demanding similar debates around the country. We were told Sinn Fein is having private meetings on policing but they are geared towards the yes men. It is a closed shop."
Mr. Gallagher has also confirmed that the group is considering mounting political opposition to Sinn Fein by supporting independent candidates in marginal constituencies if Assembly elections are called on March 7.
"We condemn Sinn Fein's plans outright. We believe it's a simple quid pro quo for going into power with the DUP. It seems they're not living in the real world at all. You can't negotiate away political policing within a partitionist system," he said.
However, Mr. Gallagher has condemned recent reported threats against Sinn Fein leaders.