Hain backs Orde over revelations

Sir Hugh Orde said the revelation was a private matter

The Northern Ireland secretary has given Sir Hugh Orde his "unequivocal support" after revelations he fathered a child outside his marriage.

The News of the World published details of the PSNI chief constable's relationship with a Metropolitan Police detective with whom he has a baby son.

In a statement Sir Hugh said his wife and son, 21, know of the situation.

Peter Hain said the PSNI chief was recognised as an officer of immense ability and professionalism.

Sir Hugh's leadership of the PSNI was "quite simply outstanding", said the secretary of state.

"It is in no small measure due to that leadership that for the first time in Northern Ireland we have all party support for policing.

In his role as chief constable, Sir Hugh Orde has been, and continues to be, a highly professional police office Policing Board

"Neither Hugh nor the Government will be deflected by what is a private matter from continuing to build on what he is achieving with the PSNI."

In a statement on Sunday, Sir Hugh said: "This is a personal and private matter which doesn't affect and never affected my ability to do my job.

"My family are fully aware and supportive. I would ask that the privacy of all the individuals involved is respected."

Speaking on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton said the force had "every confidence" in Sir Hugh.

"This is a private matter which has no bearing on the chief constable's professional ability," he said.

"He is doing a fantastic job and has led this organisation through some challenging and difficult times. We have every confidence in him as chief constable of this police service."

Honours

A Policing Board spokesman said the issue was "a personal and private matter for the chief constable".

"In his role as chief constable, Sir Hugh Orde has been, and continues to be, a highly professional police officer.

Peter Hain said the PSNI chief was an officer of immense ability

"He has the full support of the chairman, the vice chairman and the members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board."

Sir Hugh, whose hobbies include marathon running, was appointed chief constable in May 2002, replacing Sir Ronnie Flanagan.

He joined the Metropolitan Police in London in 1977 and rose to deputy assistant commissioner.

He was leading the investigation into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane as part of the Stevens Inquiry when he was picked to fill the top post in the PSNI.

He was awarded an OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours 2001 and a Knighthood in the Queens Birthday Honours 2005.