Minister Micheál Martin Welcomes Appointment of New PSNI Chief Constable

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Minister Micheál Martin Welcomes Appointment of New PSNI Chief Constable

The Minster for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., today welcomed the announcement that the next Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland will be Mr. Matt Baggott, currently of Leicestershire Constabulary.

Minister Martin said:

"I congratulate Mr. Baggott on his appointment and wish him every success over the coming years. He will take up duty at an important time in the ongoing development and consolidation of policing and justice in Northern Ireland. In particular, I welcome his indication that the issue of community policing will remain an important priority in his own future work and that of the PSNI as whole.

Over the term of office of Sir Hugh Orde, significant progress has been made towards securing widespread cross-community acceptance of Northern Ireland’s new policing arrangements. A further key step in this direction will be taken once full devolution of policing and justice takes place, a development which I hope to see completed over the coming months.

I also take this opportunity to thank Sir Hugh for all his hard work and efforts over these past years, which have been much appreciated, and to wish him well in his new role."

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Press Office

12 August 2009