By Enda McClafferty
BBC News NI political editor
Sinn Féin is to attend a PSNI graduation ceremony for the first time on Friday, BBC News NI has learnt.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and the party’s policing board member Gerry Kelly have accepted an invitation to attend the event at Garnerville.
It will be the first time Sinn Féin politicians have attended a passing out ceremony since the PSNI was established 23 years ago.
It is understood Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will also attend.
Sinn Féin confirmed its party’s move in a short statement on Thursday evening.
A spokesperson said: “Tomorrow the PSNI student officer attestation ceremony takes place where a number of new recruits will graduate.
“Michelle O”Neill will be in attendance and will join the ceremony. Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly MLA will also attend”
‘Lukewarm’ support of PSNI
Sinn Féin has in the past been accused of having a “lukewarm” approach in its support for the PSNI.
But four years ago Michelle O’Neill and Gerry Kelly attended the launch of a PSNI poster recruitment campaign.
The chief constable at the time, Simon Byrne, described the move as “seismic and historic”.
He said he hoped it would have a significant impact on the PSNI’s ability to recruit more Catholic officers.
But since then Sinn Féin has turned down invitations to attend PSNI graduation ceremonies.
That will change on Friday, when Michelle O’Neill and Gerry Kelly attend the passing out event at noon.