The post of Police Ombudsman for the province is being hailed by ministers as a "groundbreaking" innovation in investigating complaints against the RUC.

The new post, which will earn the successful applicant between £70,000 and £90,000, is to be created by Royal Warrant to underline its independence.

Mo Mowlam: "Strong candidates will come forward"

The success of the new ombudsman will be monitored by the Home Office to establish whether or not a similar office could be established in mainland UK.

Ms Mowlam said the successful candidate for the "unique post" of RUC ombudsman would be "a person of outstanding ability".

"Someone who has leadership skills and who can not only manage the introduction of a new complaints system, but can also manage the system itself effectively," she said.

"We want someone who can command the confidence of both the public and the police in the new system."

The successful candidate must also have a detailed understanding of the workings of the legal system, in addition to "public affairs skills".

'Strong candidates'

The government will be approaching several candidates who have already expressed an interest in the role, as well as advertising in the press.

Ms Mowlam said female and ethnic minority candidates should consider applying in order to create the largest possible pool of applicants.

"This is an important post, and I don't doubt that strong candidates will come forward to fill it," she said.

The ombudsman will take over the role currently filled by the Independent Commission for Police Complaints and should be established by 1 March 1999.

The new post will have a 60-strong staff dedicated to investigating serious complaints against the RUC, such as death or injury caused by police action.