Minister Ahern welcomes new Policing Board appointments

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., has welcomed today's appointment of new members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.   The new Board is due to take up office on 1 April 2006.

“I want to congratulate the new members on their appointment. I have every confidence that the Board will continue to be a crucial institution in the governance of policing in Northern Ireland, and that it will continue to be the driving-force in the ongoing implementation of the Patten reforms.”

“In dealing with one of the more contentious areas of public policy, the outgoing Board has acquitted itself exceedingly well over the past four years. It has played a central role in implementing the Patten recommendations and in ensuring that the Police Service of Northern Ireland is held fully accountable to the public.”

“Above all, the Board has demonstrated that cross-community politics can work in Northern Ireland, and that the political and civic representatives of the entire community can work together for the benefit of all. I have every confidence that the incoming Board will do likewise.

“At this juncture, I would encourage all sections of the community and all the political parties to give their support to the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland”. 

“I wish to thank those members of the Board who are stepping down, in particular the Vice-Chairman Denis Bradley. Denis has shown great ability, vision and no little courage in executing his role. He has made a significant contribution to the increased confidence that now exists in the policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.”

13 March 2006
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13/03/2006