The Ulster Unionist Party’s Policing Board representative, Alan Chambers MLA, has responded to Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald’s comments that a new Chief Constable should come from outside Northern Ireland, by asking if Sinn Fein is preparing to withdraw support for policing.
Alan Chambers MLA said:
“Mary Lou McDonald needs to be very careful in what she says.
“The selection of a new Chief Constable is a matter for the Policing Board. The last time I looked, she was not even a member. In fact she is not even an elected representative in Northern Ireland.
“In saying that the new Chief Constable of the PSNI should come from outside the force, she is not only displaying a lack of faith in the officers there already, she is opening up the possibility of legal action and employment tribunals from unsuccessful candidates, who could point to bias on the part of Sinn Fein members of the policing board.
“There will be genuine concerns that this is Sinn Fein’s way of signalling that it is preparing to withdraw support for policing in Northern Ireland. You have to wonder just who SInn Fein would find acceptable to fill the role of Chief Constable, especially when you recall their opposition to the Appointment of Drew Harris as Garda Commissioner. You would almost think they don’t want to be policed by anyone.”