The RUC Chief Constable has said that he does not want members of the force to belong to the loyal orders in Northern Ireland. Mr Ronnie Flanagan told Channel 4's Dispatches programme (to be broadcast tomorrow) that he would prefer members of the force not to be in the Orange Order or Apprentice Boys.
"I would rather they didn't belong to such organisations", he said. "I think they should think very carefully, in terms of perceptions within Northern Ireland, whether membership of such organisations is actually compatible with people who view people's perception as to how they might perform their duty."
On the same programme, a group of defence lawyers attacked the British army and RUC and the "general state system" in the North, alleging compelling evidence of security force involvement in "numerous" illegal killings.
More than 30 solicitors from across the North are writing to the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, claiming that the failure of the state to "uphold the right to life" has led to a widespread belief that the security forces enjoy "immunity from prosecution".
In particular, the solicitors allege that there was compelling evidence of "state involvement" in the 1989 murder of the solicitor, Mr Pat Finucane.
The solicitors have called on Dr Mowlam to:
Order an immediate inquiry into the Finucane killing and release the full Stevens report on his death.
Institute a root-and-branch review of policing and the administration of justice in Northern Ireland.
Repeal emergency legislation, close detention centres, restore the right to silence and allow for the presence of solicitors during the interrogation of clients.
Ban plastic bullets.
