Orde To Leave PSNI

Northern Ireland's police chief Sir Hugh Orde is to step down from his high profile role to become the next president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Sir Hugh, who as been PSNI Chief Constable for seven years, could leave his post as early as this autumn.

Earlier this year he missed out on the top job at the Metropolitan Police in London.

Last night 342 ACPO members voted-in Sir Hugh as its new president, which he described as a "great honour".

"I believe that UK policing is strongest when it is professional, operationally independent, and based on trust and accountability.

"Above all, our decisions should be tested against the reason for which we all joined policing; the protection of the public," said the English born policeman.

Incumbent ACPO President, Sir Ken Jones, said Sir Hugh, the newly formed PSNI's first leader, would bring a "wealth of experience" to the role.

"Increasingly the service and its leadership are being drawn into political controversies and it will fall to Sir Hugh to steer us on a sure path through the forthcoming period, both up to and beyond the next general election," he said.

Policing Board members Delores Kelly and Ian Paisley Junior both agreed Orde's legacy would be a hard act to follow.

Mrs Kelly said possible successors would have to have at least five years police service.

Mr Paisley stressed that no transition would take place prior to the summer, meaning the new chief would not be landed with managing the contentious marching period during their first few days.

(PR/BMcC)