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23/01/2007
Former Chief Constable denies knowledge of collusion
Former RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has today denied knowing about the collusion between his officers and loyalist paramilitaries when he was in charge.
Earlier today, politicians called for Sir Ronnie to step down as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, following yesterday's report by Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, who revealed information regarding state collusion between Special Branch Officers and loyalist informers between 1991 and 2003 – and the involvement and cover up of around 15 murders in Northern Ireland during that period.
In response to the report, Sir Ronnie, issued the following statement: "In relation to the Ombudsman's investigation that is the subject of recent media coverage, I at all times fully co-operated with their staff, as I of course would with any of their investigations.
"I utterly refute any suggestion, as has been misrepresented in some of the media coverage, that I was in any way evasive or unhelpful.”
The statement continued: "On the contrary, at no time during the investigation, or since, did any member of the Ombudsman's staff express to me any reservations about my personal action or conduct in any post that I held.
"This includes the six month period when I was appointed as head of Special Branch in the aftermath of the Chinook helicopter tragedy in the summer of 1994.
"With respect to the specific matters dealt with in the Ombudsman's report, at no time did I have any knowledge, or evidence, of officers at any level behaving in the ways that have been described.
"I would find such conduct to be abhorrent, and if such behaviour took place my hope would be that it would be the subject of criminal or disciplinary proceedings.”
Sir Ronnie continued by saying that he welcomed the recommendation that the dreadful crimes described are to be re-examined and added that he hopes that evidence can yet be uncovered to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice.
(EF)
Earlier today, politicians called for Sir Ronnie to step down as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, following yesterday's report by Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, who revealed information regarding state collusion between Special Branch Officers and loyalist informers between 1991 and 2003 – and the involvement and cover up of around 15 murders in Northern Ireland during that period.
In response to the report, Sir Ronnie, issued the following statement: "In relation to the Ombudsman's investigation that is the subject of recent media coverage, I at all times fully co-operated with their staff, as I of course would with any of their investigations.
"I utterly refute any suggestion, as has been misrepresented in some of the media coverage, that I was in any way evasive or unhelpful.”
The statement continued: "On the contrary, at no time during the investigation, or since, did any member of the Ombudsman's staff express to me any reservations about my personal action or conduct in any post that I held.
"This includes the six month period when I was appointed as head of Special Branch in the aftermath of the Chinook helicopter tragedy in the summer of 1994.
"With respect to the specific matters dealt with in the Ombudsman's report, at no time did I have any knowledge, or evidence, of officers at any level behaving in the ways that have been described.
"I would find such conduct to be abhorrent, and if such behaviour took place my hope would be that it would be the subject of criminal or disciplinary proceedings.”
Sir Ronnie continued by saying that he welcomed the recommendation that the dreadful crimes described are to be re-examined and added that he hopes that evidence can yet be uncovered to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice.
(EF)
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24 January 2007
Police Ombudsman to brief board on report
The Policing Board are to be briefed by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan this afternoon. The meeting is expected to be tense and the PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is expected to attend the meeting. Mrs O'Loan's report has come under fire from the retired police officer's association.
Police Ombudsman to brief board on report
The Policing Board are to be briefed by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan this afternoon. The meeting is expected to be tense and the PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is expected to attend the meeting. Mrs O'Loan's report has come under fire from the retired police officer's association.
06 February 2008
Sir Ronnie's Policing Review Ready
Beleaguered former PSNI and Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan, is back in the news. Fresh from defying calls for his resignation, on foot of criticisms of the police’s handling of the failed Omagh bomb trial, he is set to announce new measures to cut police ‘form filling’.
Sir Ronnie's Policing Review Ready
Beleaguered former PSNI and Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan, is back in the news. Fresh from defying calls for his resignation, on foot of criticisms of the police’s handling of the failed Omagh bomb trial, he is set to announce new measures to cut police ‘form filling’.
08 February 2002
Policing Board revamp investigation in bid to end rift
In a bid to end the rift between the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable, the Policing Board have decided to appoint a senior officer from England to conduct the investigation into the Omagh bombing.
Policing Board revamp investigation in bid to end rift
In a bid to end the rift between the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable, the Policing Board have decided to appoint a senior officer from England to conduct the investigation into the Omagh bombing.
19 December 2001
Police Ombudsman and Chief Constable in talks
Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, have held talks over the Omagh bomb inquiry. A public row between Sir Ronnie and Mrs O'Loan broke out last week following the publication of a critical report into the RUC handling of the Omagh investigation.
Police Ombudsman and Chief Constable in talks
Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, have held talks over the Omagh bomb inquiry. A public row between Sir Ronnie and Mrs O'Loan broke out last week following the publication of a critical report into the RUC handling of the Omagh investigation.
14 December 2001
Ombudsman and Chief Constable rift is ‘not irreparable’
The Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has said relations with the Police Ombudsman have been damaged but not irreparably. He said in a BBC programme: “I have known the Police Ombudsman for many, many years and have a high regard for her. That is unquestionable. I have no doubt that relationships can be rebuilt.
Ombudsman and Chief Constable rift is ‘not irreparable’
The Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has said relations with the Police Ombudsman have been damaged but not irreparably. He said in a BBC programme: “I have known the Police Ombudsman for many, many years and have a high regard for her. That is unquestionable. I have no doubt that relationships can be rebuilt.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
