Pioneering Police Ombudsman Quits

The first ever NI Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan leaves the post today after seven years' service.

She has admitted the last seven years had been difficult and even walked out of a BBC interview – briefly - when questioned about the impact on her own family of the high profile post.

"I am a human being and I have been affected by things like the attacks on my children," Mrs O'Loan said.

She also said the response to her Omagh bomb report was a particular ‘low’ and noted: "I was distressed by Sir Ronnie's (Flannagan) response to the Omagh report,” referring to the former RUC Chief Constable.

"But a job has to be done and you don't desist from doing a job because people are trying to divert you from the job by attacking you personally or attacking your family personally."

She pioneered the role, aimed at providing an independent complaints service for the public about the conduct of the police.

As well as the police investigation into the Omagh bomb, her remit has covered alleged collusion cases and various fatal shootings.

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

Mrs O'Loan is being succeeded by Al Hutchinson, the former police oversight commissioner for Northern Ireland.

(BMcC)