NEW ROLE FOR SIR RONNIE
New role for Sir Ronnie
By DERIC HENDERSON
THE retiring Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is to become one of two new HM Inspectors of Constabulary.
As the policing board prepared to discuss his future in the aftermath of his fall-out with Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan over the inquiry into the Omagh bomb, Home Secretary David Blunkett confirmed the appointment. Sir Ronnie had already planned to stand down as head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, but even though his three-month resignation is due to come into effect at the end of the month, he indicated he was ready to stay until his successor was chosen. The board, however, is split on the timing of his departure.
Some believe his resignation should not be allowed to become an issue and that he should leave office as planned on Thursday week, enabling his "deputy, Colin Cramphorn, to take over.
Others claim he should stay for some sort of interim period and not be seen to be pushed out of office because of the Ombudsman's report into the August, 1998, outrage.
It is not clear when Sir Ronnie will start inspecting forces in the eastern region of England but it could be at least three months before he takes on his new job.
The Home Office last night said no starting date had been set. A spokesman said it was a matter for the policing board.
The Chief Constable of Merseyside, Norman Bettison, is also joining HMIC.
The policing board will begin the process of finding the next Chief Constable at a meeting tomorrow, when a decision is also expected on Sir Ronnie's immediate future.
Some of the Omagh relatives have withdrawn their backing for the Chief Constable. Michael Gallagher, whose son, Adrian, 21, was among the dead, said he was stunned by Sir Ronnie's appointment.
He said: "It is obviously a political decision. The Government is sending a clear message to the policing board that they have every confidence in this man. We do not share that view."
Sir Ronnie said he was extremely proud that his force had been recognised by the appointment.
He said: "This is acknowledgement of the unique expertise of the RUC, and latterly the police service of Northern Ireland, in not only the most difficult and dangerous of policing circumstances, but also of being at the forefront of policing reform."
Secretary of State John Reid said Sir Ronnie had been totally committed to managing the unprecedented change process within policing.
He said: "He had a vision of policing in the 21st century and a clear ability to inspire and lead others in that direction."
SDLP board member Alex Attwood said: "It's acknowledged that while there are legitimate and enduring concerns about his acceptance of certain policing matters, Ronnie Flanagan did make a contribution to the safe delivery of policing change and useful interventions in the Patten debate."
Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly attacked the appointment but former UUP MP Ken Maginnis said it would leave a vacuum in terms of unresolved debate.
Policing board chairman Prof Desmond Rea said the appointment was a tribute to his contribution to policing through 30 difficult years.
By DERIC HENDERSON
THE retiring Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan is to become one of two new HM Inspectors of Constabulary.
As the policing board prepared to discuss his future in the aftermath of his fall-out with Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan over the inquiry into the Omagh bomb, Home Secretary David Blunkett confirmed the appointment. Sir Ronnie had already planned to stand down as head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, but even though his three-month resignation is due to come into effect at the end of the month, he indicated he was ready to stay until his successor was chosen. The board, however, is split on the timing of his departure.
Some believe his resignation should not be allowed to become an issue and that he should leave office as planned on Thursday week, enabling his "deputy, Colin Cramphorn, to take over.
Others claim he should stay for some sort of interim period and not be seen to be pushed out of office because of the Ombudsman's report into the August, 1998, outrage.
It is not clear when Sir Ronnie will start inspecting forces in the eastern region of England but it could be at least three months before he takes on his new job.
The Home Office last night said no starting date had been set. A spokesman said it was a matter for the policing board.
The Chief Constable of Merseyside, Norman Bettison, is also joining HMIC.
The policing board will begin the process of finding the next Chief Constable at a meeting tomorrow, when a decision is also expected on Sir Ronnie's immediate future.
Some of the Omagh relatives have withdrawn their backing for the Chief Constable. Michael Gallagher, whose son, Adrian, 21, was among the dead, said he was stunned by Sir Ronnie's appointment.
He said: "It is obviously a political decision. The Government is sending a clear message to the policing board that they have every confidence in this man. We do not share that view."
Sir Ronnie said he was extremely proud that his force had been recognised by the appointment.
He said: "This is acknowledgement of the unique expertise of the RUC, and latterly the police service of Northern Ireland, in not only the most difficult and dangerous of policing circumstances, but also of being at the forefront of policing reform."
Secretary of State John Reid said Sir Ronnie had been totally committed to managing the unprecedented change process within policing.
He said: "He had a vision of policing in the 21st century and a clear ability to inspire and lead others in that direction."
SDLP board member Alex Attwood said: "It's acknowledged that while there are legitimate and enduring concerns about his acceptance of certain policing matters, Ronnie Flanagan did make a contribution to the safe delivery of policing change and useful interventions in the Patten debate."
Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly attacked the appointment but former UUP MP Ken Maginnis said it would leave a vacuum in terms of unresolved debate.
Policing board chairman Prof Desmond Rea said the appointment was a tribute to his contribution to policing through 30 difficult years.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/409
Published Date: 20-Feb-02
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