Orde offered contract extension

Sir Hugh Orde has been offered a three-year contract extension

Sir Hugh Orde has been offered a three-year extension to his contract as PSNI chief constable by the Policing Board.

Sir Hugh's current fixed contract runs until the end of August.

The Policing Board had the power to extend that and has decided to offer him the maximum extension possible.

A spokesman for Sir Hugh said he will likely stay after his current contract ends on 31 August. But it is not clear if he is to stay for the three years.

Sir Hugh, a former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, took up his post as PSNI chief constable in September 2002 on a five-year fixed term contract.

The decision to extend it is expected to be given the approval of the Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain.

Last month, the chief constable was embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that he had an affair with a Metropolitan police officer, with whom he had a child.

At the time there was speculation that the revelation could hinder his chances of a contract extension, and the Policing Board decision will be viewed as a vote of confidence in him.