It has been brought to the attention of Lasair Dhearg, by a number of concerned parents, that local schools are being used as a proxy for the PSNI.

The issue itself is in relation to a letter from PSNI Constables Jack McDonald and Brian Carroll. The letter which highlights the issue of anti-social behaviour among youths has appeared on the homepage of the De La Salle college website. With PSNI letter headed insignia it reads ‘For the attention of all parents and guardians’ via School Principle.

Speaking on the subject, Lasair Dhearg spokesperson Pádraic Mac Coitir said that “as a past pupil of the school I can remember firsthand the impact that British army and RUC harassment had on pupils and parents.

“Today, the use of schools and community facilities by the PSNI is part of the PSNI’s normalisation process and their attempt to win support and the hearts and minds within republican areas. The PSNI, like the RUC before it, has no interest in the well-being of school children, parents or the wider community. Their primary selfish interests have always remained the same and that is to undermine republican areas and uphold the interests of the British Government in its nearest colony.

“The armed gunmen of the PSNI and their agents should be completely ostracised from our community, schools and in every sphere of our society. They have nothing to offer our community and their only engagement is for its own selfish end, to exploit, undermine and divide.

“To this end, we ask the principle of De La Salle, Claire White, and the Board of Governors to remove all PSNI insignia and communiqué from its website and not to be fooled by those who have inflicted so much pain and suffering upon our community in recent years.

“We encourage all community groups, youth projects and schools to disengage from any counterproductive work which may detract from its own good work and assists the PSNI with its normalisation process which ultimately has a detrimental impact upon our community.”