O'LOAN HANDS OVER TO NEW OMBUDSMAN
O'Loan hands over to new ombudsman
By Bimpe Fatogun
MANY argue that the PSNI is the most scrutinised force in the world.
Yesterday that seemed more the case than ever as not one but two ombudsmen posed for photographs.
Appropriately for the post which sets so much store on Shining a light on what for decades remained hidden, the handover from outgoing Nuala O'Loan to incoming Al Hutchinson was taking place in the full media glare.
Mr Hutchinson, the former police oversight commissioner, is taking on the role for a seven-year term.
For Mrs O'Loan it was her last day in office after her seven years of service.
The first police ombudsman, she pioneered the role set up to provide an independent complaints service for the public.
She dealt with the police investigation into the Omagh bomb, allegations of collusion and fatal shootings.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met Mrs O'Loan and her team for the last time yesterday.
"Through the last seven years Nuala O'Loan along with her team of investigators and support staff have carried out their duties in a professional and diligent manner," the Sinn Fein MP said.
Alliance leader David Ford also thanked her for displaying "courage and impartiality".
"She took on an extremely difficult task and did an excellent job," he said.
"I want to commend the balance and credibility of her work. She faced much pressure from those who sought to hinder her but she was courageous and was never knocked off course by these elements."
The SDLP's Alex Attwood also paid tribute.
"Policing is where it is today because of brave people and strong leaders," he said.
"Mrs O'Loan has been as brave and strong as any. There was no bigger job or harder task over the last seven years."
However, the DUP were less complimentary with its send-off.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has said there "will be few tears shed" over her departure, accusing Ms O'Loan of "pursuing a political agenda".
"I, along with, I am sure, the majority of police officers in Northern Ireland, welcome the fact that Monday is her last day in office," he said.
"She has been intent on pursing a witch hunt against the police and especially against the RUC and Special Branch."
He called for an end to the office dealing with the past and for it to "focus on dealing with current issues that arise".
The new incumbent, Mr Hutchinson, was previously the oversight commissioner who presided over changes to policing in Northern Ireland.
He also served 34 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Mr Hutchinson paid tribute to his predecessor.
"In just seven years Nuala and her team have created a system for dealing with complaints from members of the public about the police which has won an international reputation for its independence and impartiality," he said
"It is my privilege and responsibility to continue that work."
Ms O'Loan said Mr Hutchinson was a person of "proven integrity".
The office of Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland receives around 3,000 complaints each year.
By Bimpe Fatogun
MANY argue that the PSNI is the most scrutinised force in the world.
Yesterday that seemed more the case than ever as not one but two ombudsmen posed for photographs.
Appropriately for the post which sets so much store on Shining a light on what for decades remained hidden, the handover from outgoing Nuala O'Loan to incoming Al Hutchinson was taking place in the full media glare.
Mr Hutchinson, the former police oversight commissioner, is taking on the role for a seven-year term.
For Mrs O'Loan it was her last day in office after her seven years of service.
The first police ombudsman, she pioneered the role set up to provide an independent complaints service for the public.
She dealt with the police investigation into the Omagh bomb, allegations of collusion and fatal shootings.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met Mrs O'Loan and her team for the last time yesterday.
"Through the last seven years Nuala O'Loan along with her team of investigators and support staff have carried out their duties in a professional and diligent manner," the Sinn Fein MP said.
Alliance leader David Ford also thanked her for displaying "courage and impartiality".
"She took on an extremely difficult task and did an excellent job," he said.
"I want to commend the balance and credibility of her work. She faced much pressure from those who sought to hinder her but she was courageous and was never knocked off course by these elements."
The SDLP's Alex Attwood also paid tribute.
"Policing is where it is today because of brave people and strong leaders," he said.
"Mrs O'Loan has been as brave and strong as any. There was no bigger job or harder task over the last seven years."
However, the DUP were less complimentary with its send-off.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has said there "will be few tears shed" over her departure, accusing Ms O'Loan of "pursuing a political agenda".
"I, along with, I am sure, the majority of police officers in Northern Ireland, welcome the fact that Monday is her last day in office," he said.
"She has been intent on pursing a witch hunt against the police and especially against the RUC and Special Branch."
He called for an end to the office dealing with the past and for it to "focus on dealing with current issues that arise".
The new incumbent, Mr Hutchinson, was previously the oversight commissioner who presided over changes to policing in Northern Ireland.
He also served 34 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Mr Hutchinson paid tribute to his predecessor.
"In just seven years Nuala and her team have created a system for dealing with complaints from members of the public about the police which has won an international reputation for its independence and impartiality," he said
"It is my privilege and responsibility to continue that work."
Ms O'Loan said Mr Hutchinson was a person of "proven integrity".
The office of Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland receives around 3,000 complaints each year.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0769
Published Date: 06-Nov-07
Related Images
