Long road to justice for part-time Reserve



UUP councillor Ross Hussey, chairman of the RUC GC Association Part Time Officers Welfare Group, this week joined fellow campaigners in meeting Party colleagues at Stormont to discuss the gratuity proposed for part time service with the RUC.



“Following a meeting with the First Minister, members of the RUC GC Association Part Time Officers Welfare Group were only too happy to meet with Ulster Unionist MLAs to discuss revelations over the £20,000,000 settlement for part time service with the RUC.



“A great deal of hard work has been done in pursuing the appropriate recognition and recompense, and we are delighted that the service and dedication of these officers is at last being acknowledged,” cllr Hussey said.



“I welcome the continuing support demonstrated by my Party colleagues on this issue. It has been a long, hard road, and we look forward to it finally being brought to a conclusion.



“While I do not agree with this issue being dealt with in the same breath as the devolution of policing and justice – the claim of part-time officers is meritorious in its own right – it is at least pleasing to see movement at last.



“Unfortunately it seems that, for other former members of the security forces, the fight goes on. The dedication and commitment of part time officers in both the UDR and RIR must also be recognised, and the Ulster Unionist Party will be seeking to meet with representatives to discuss a way forward. It should be remembered that terrorists did not discriminate between those who served in a full or part time basis when targeting the security forces.”