The Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, says unionists' "fixation with symbols and emblems" is preventing a full debate on the policing issue in Northern Ireland.
He said the Police Bill proceeding through Westminster gave more powers to the Northern Secretary and the Chief Constable than the Patten Report intended. He also said the proposed legislation limited the power of the Police Board and Ombudsman to conduct inquiries.
