N. IRELAND: RUC RECEIVES GEORGE CROSS

(12 Apr 2000) Natural Sound

Queen Elizabeth travelled to Northern Ireland on Wednesday to present the region's police force with Britain's highest civilian honour, the George Cross.

Many members of the R-U-C have died or been severely injured whilst serving the force, though the medal was bestowed upon every officer - past and present - for 'gallantry and most conspicuous courage'.

With the R-U-C due to lose its royal title later this year, the award and visit of the Queen is sure to cause offence amongst many members of the province's Catholic community who feel the R-U-C has never defended them.

The George Cross is rewarded for gallantry and every member of the force has been given a collective share in its honour.

Dressed completely in orange - the colour that traditionally represents the pro-British, Protestant Orange Order - Queen Elizabeth praised the officers, along with R-U-C families, who've had to endure, she said, fear, intimidation and bereavement.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Due in no small measure for bravery and dedication over the years of the men and women of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland is now a much more peaceful and stable place in which to live. I hope and trust that the enmities of the past can be laid to rest in a way that fully recognises the sacrifices made."
SUPER CAPTION: Queen Elizabeth II

Constable Paul Slaine's sacrifice is all too apparent.

The victim of an I-R-A mortar attack eight years ago, Paul received the medal on behalf of the force.

And despite deep misgivings within the R-U-C about its future, the Chief Constable saw this award as an incentive.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"To draw on that past experience, to work in partnership with all the people of Northern Ireland, to build a better future for us all and for generations to come."
SUPER CAPTION: Sir Ronnie Flanagan, Chief Constable of the R-U-C

David Ead is one of those who died serving the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Soon though it will probably lose its royal title, but for his widow the George Cross is small compensation for such an insult.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"He would be very sad remembering all his colleagues. And he would think it's hypocritical, in one way the Queen's coming to award the George Cross, to the R-U-C, and yet in a matter of a months time there will not be an R-U-C."
SUPER CAPTION: Christine Ead, wife of murdered officer

It's a thought that's sure to be common to many even if most chose not to voice it on this ceremonial occasion.

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