Search for new ombudsman begins

Nuala O'Loan's term of office ends in November

The search has begun to find a successor to the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.

Her term of office comes to an end in November and adverts will run in both the local and national press from Thursday to appoint her replacement.

Mrs O'Loan will continue in the job until a successor is appointed.

Announcing the competition for the £120,000 post, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain paid tribute to Mrs O'Loan's work.

"She has done an excellent job in difficult circumstances, especially on controversial issues when feelings have been understandably running high," Mr Hain said.

"The post of police ombudsman for Northern Ireland is without doubt one of the most challenging positions within the public sector.

"The post plays a key role in developing and maintaining public confidence in policing and it is crucial that this competition attracts the highest calibre of candidates."

Mrs O'Loan was appointed police ombudsman in October 1999 and started work in the job the following summer.

The Ombudsman's office has 128 staff and a budget of about £10m.