UUP hail reserve but worry its end is premature

ULSTER Unionist Party (UUP) candidates Mary Hamilton and Ronnie McKeegan paid tribute to the dedication of the Full-Time Reserve in policing the community since its foundation in 1972 but hoped that its phasing out last week would not prove premature in light of recent activity by violent republicans.

The candidates issued a joint statement after 300 reserve officers were released last week and following the attempted bomb attack in Londonderry and the murder of a young policeman in Omagh.

Some 102 Reserve Officers gave their lives in service since the Reserve’s establishment in 1972. Many more were injured.

“The Full Time Reserve played an essential part in the policing of Londonderry and the rest of Northern Ireland during some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Members were victims of the most vile acts of violence and intimidation,” the candidates said.

“They are to be lauded for their commitment in protecting the people of Northern Ireland and the vast experience which they brought to the policing arena.

“In the light of recent bomb alerts and the tragic murder of the young PSNI. Constable in Omagh we trust that the operational decision regarding the Reserve will not come to be one the community will have cause to regret,” they added.