Current Policing Board holds final meeting

The current Northern Ireland Policing Board met in a public session for the last time at its Belfast headquarters today prior to its reconstitution.

Opening the meeting Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea said that since November 2001, the Board had ensured for all the people of Northern Ireland an effective, efficient, accountable and impartial police service.

"For those of us who have been members of the Policing Board since that November day, the task given to us, the difficult, complex and often sensitive issues faced to get us to where we are today made for interesting times and I am sure Members will agree – many challenging meetings.

"It was also a time that was not blessed with full community support for policing or full political representation around this table. However, that has not inhibited the progress on policing – progress I believe which has brought us to this end game.

"The fact that we are now entering a new era in the history of policing in Northern Ireland will enable the Police to build upon the considerable work that they have already achieved. It is up to each and every one of us to support and help the Police Service in making our communities safer. That is in all our interests.”

Looking forward to the reconstituted Policing Board, Sir Desmond said that along with the many historic days witnessed this year, the first public session, scheduled for 6 June could also be added to that number.

“Along with the other historic days that we have witnessed since the beginning of this year, the 6 June can also be added to that number, as for the first time ever, elected unionists, nationalists and republican representatives, will sit as Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board."

Sir Desmond also paid tribute to all those who had contributed to securing political agreement, and to those members of the Board who had played their part in the new beginning to policing, and in particular those who wouldn’t be returning and who had served since the Board’s establishment in November 2001.

“What will take place Tuesday next at Parliament Buildings will be more than just symbolic. It is a great example to the world of how what once seemed to be an intractable problem became - with patience, perseverance and a desire for peace - an historic agreement in the interests of all."

(JM/SP)