Tricky moments for unlikely duo

THE relationship between an ex-IRA prisoner and a senior anti-terror policeman appeared a tad frosty yesterday as they both sat down to discuss how to end paramilitarism.

The controversy surrounding the public encounter at an event supported by the Executive Office may be what caused Sean ‘Spike’ Murray and PSNI Detective Superintendent Bobby Singleton to squirm.

There were moments of awkward silence as they sat just feet apart from one another soon after answers were demanded from the Chief Constable over why he allowed an officer to share a platform with a senior republican who had previously been accused of post-ceasefire gun-running.

Coincidentally, the encounter came a day after Murray was told the PPS had “insufficient” evidence to prosecute him.

The two men barely made eye contact, although they did politely greet each other.

The quick handshake caused both men to smirk indicating how they understood how their discussion on how to end paramilitary activity might be perceived.

Murray’s deep stare into space was interrupted by an occasional eye-roll before he reached for his phone. Mr Singleton appeared grateful when a cup of coffee was placed in front of him, providing an excuse to stop scribbling on his notepad.

The empty chair which separated the pair was eventually taken by Monica McWilliams from the Independent Reporting Commission, which monitors paramilitary activity, but she was quick to reach for her laptop. It provided a timely distraction before the lengthy discussion began in which Mr Singleton claimed police are getting better at securing prosecutions, and vowed to secure more.