Police chief set for new role

Sir Ronnie Flanagan: New inspectorate role

The head of the police in Northern Ireland has been appointed as one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.

Sir Ronnie Flanagan is due to resign as chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland at the end of the month.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) is responsible for examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service in England and Wales.

Sir Ronnie will take on responsibility for inspecting forces in the eastern region, including the Metropolitan police.

This is an acknowledgement of the unique expertise and experience of the RUC and latterly the PSNI

Sir Ronnie Flanagan

On Tuesday, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the appointment and that of Norman Bettison, the chief constable of Merseyside, to the policing watchdog.

He said both men had a "wealth of experience".

"I'm confident they will provide a valuable contribution to raising police standards," he said.

Both appointments have been approved by the Queen.

Inspectors advise ministers and the Home Office, carry out inspections and share knowledge with police forces and authorities. HMIC also contribute to the selection process for senior appointments.

'Privilege'

Sir Ronnie said he was extremely proud that the Police Service of Northern Ireland had been recognised by his appointment.

"This is an acknowledgement of the unique expertise and experience of the RUC and latterly the PSNI in not only the most difficult and dangerous of policing circumstances, but also of being at the forefront of policing reform," he said.

"The men and women I have had the privilege to work with in policing over the last 32 years are simply unsurpassed anywhere in the policing world.

"Anything I have ever been able do is due to them."

Members of the new Northern Ireland Policing Board are due to meet on Thursday to begin the process of finding a successor to Sir Ronnie.

John Reid: Praise for Sir Ronnie

Deputy Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn may fill the post until a permanent successor is found.

Sir Ronnie steered the Royal Ulster Constabulary through a series of major reforms as it was transformed into the Police Service of Northern Ireland last November.

Secretary of State John Reid said Sir Ronnie had been "totally committed to managing the unprecedented change process within policing in Northern Ireland".

Dr Reid said: "He (Sir Ronnie) had a vision of policing in the 21st Century and a clear ability to inspire and lead others in that direction."

Alex Attwood, one of the nationalist SDLP's representatives on Northern Ireland's Policing Board, noted Sir Ronnie's role in police reform but said he had resisted other key changes.

Intervention

"It's acknowledged that while there are legitimate and enduring concerns about his acceptance of certain policing matters, Ronnie Flanagan did make a contribution to the safe delivery of policing change and useful interventions in the Patten debate," he said.

The chief constable has been involved in a bitter row with the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, over the Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation into the 1998 Omagh bombing.

Last week, relatives of some of the victims of the Omagh bomb welcomed the possibility of Sir Ronnie's retirement.

The Omagh Victims' Group said that when he leaves the job, it would mark the beginning of a new future.

Ronnie Flanagan did make a contribution to the safe delivery of policing change

Alex Attwood
SDLP

Twenty-nine people, including children and a pregnant woman, died and more than 200 people were injured in the dissident republican bombing.

It was the biggest single loss of life in 30 years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Sir Ronnie's three month resignation notice expires on 28 February.

Earlier this month, the Policing Board agreed unanimously to appoint a senior officer from England to oversee the investigation into the Omagh bombing.

Meanwhile, representatives of the police rank and file and senior officers, have begun legal action at the Northern Ireland High Court in an effort to have Nuala O'Loan's report set aside.

The Police Association, which represents the Police Federation, the Chief Superintendents' Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers, claim her report is unlawful, unfair and inaccurate.

An application seeking leave to apply for a judicial review is expected to be made this week.