"they'd have to get used to me trying to get them to see the other side" By "have to" do you mean that you would present your views while they were a captive audience, eg while the two of you were at work together? Is it somehow appropriate for you to try and persuade them to come round to your way of thinking, but not for them to try and persuade you round to their way of thinking? (I apologise for the structure of that sentence). If they are professional enough to leave their politics at home, which they must be if they've worked in the service for two years, then you have to also be professional and leave your politics at home. If they don't leave theirs at home, then it will be affecting how they do their job and rather than trying to "convert" them you need to report them. If you argue yours it'll create difficulties for the working relationship which isn't what you need in emergency situations.