BY RONAN McSHERRY

SINN Féin president Gerry Adams has launched a scathing attack on the behaviour of the PSNI in Castlederg. Ironically, his remarks came during the press conference announcing the party executive's decision to endorse policing arrangements in the North.

Mr Adams called on the Irish and British governments to investigate the arrest and subsequent court appearances of young nationalist males in Castlederg.

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff, who attended the ard comhairle meeting held at the Great Southern Hotel at Dublin Airport said, "There has been a large number have been paraded before the courts on all kinds of spurious charges to do with public order and they are being placed under curfew or sent to prison. We are asking for an investigation into the PSNI conduct in Castlederg at this time."

Hed that the arrests and prosecutions of the young men would invariably lead to difficulties attaining employment and acquiring visas for America.

"Gerry Adams has added his voice calling for the two governments to take a look at what is happening," said Cllr McElduff.

The Sinn Féin leader's call was welcomed by local Cllr Charlie McHugh.

"The perception on the ground here is that it is a partisan police force determined to give nationalist youth a criminal record," said Cllr McHugh. "There is one lad who has been before the courts three times and on each occasion he was cleared of committing any offence."

Last year a protest was held in Castlederg to highlight grievance at what is being perceived as 'political policing.'

Cllr McHugh added, "The situation has only got worse. Obviously there is an agenda at work and a spotlight needs to be shone at the behavior of the PSNI in Castlederg. We welcome Gerry Adams's remarks and there needs to be a full inquiry about what is going on here."