I am the artist responsible for the above mentioned piece of work which has unfortunately become mired in controversy over the past few months. As such I wish to take this opportunity to raise my voice in support of retaining the mural. Background: In 1985 the now defunct Newtownabbey Recreation Club requested me to paint the mural in their club premises based on the popular painting by Lawson Wood My painting was to depict the uniform worn by the RUC circa 1960 and to record such details of uniform. During the early stages of the painting I decided to include my own image in the painting along with some other men associated with Newtownabbey Sub Division. This was achieved with varying success. Over the following 25 years the mural earned a great degree of attachment and fondness from serving members, police pensioners and RUC Widows. The current District Commander has taken exception to this mural and not only refuses to have it displayed but has ordered from police premises mainly because it depicts men drinking. The mural will be lost forever if cannot be re-homed or this decision is reversed. I want the mural restored to it's traditional place in the police station recreation room.