Great to see an important discussion on last Thursday’s Hearts and Minds being led by two woman, Dr Mary Gethins author of a new book on experiences of Catholics within the police in Northern Ireland, and Rev Leslie Carroll from the Presbyterian Church’s Church and Society Committee…
Now the proportion of Catholics in the PSNI is at 30% (just three per cent short of Patten’s original target) is it time to end the positive discrimination in favour of Catholic recruitment? Carroll claims the discrimination currently affects career progression as well as the base numbers… On the other hand Gethins argues, ‘if it works, don’t end it’…
PS, can’t imagine too many men having such an emotionally charged conversation without, as they say, losing the head…
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty