I’m not sure how this fits with Brendan O’Neill’s thesis.. but the BBC tells us that, in Londonderry, police stopped opening and closing security gates around the city walls six weeks ago – “due to an increased dissident republican threat.” City Centre Initiative wardens have taken over the operation temporarily and Derry City Council is now reported to be tendering for a private security firm to control the gates – although it doesn’t appear to be on their website list yet.. I’d suggest that it makes sense to out-source that particular responsibility or, at least, it makes sense for the Council to assume the responsibility. Adds Although I’d prefer it if the intended extension of the remit of the Security Industry Authority to Northern Ireland was completed first. ANYway.. From the BBC report
Derry City Council is to employ a private security firm to open and close security gates around the city walls. The decision was taken after the police said it was too dangerous for their officers due to an increased dissident republican threat. The council said the action was taken with the support of the PSNI.