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14/12/2001
Ombudsman and Chief Constable rift is ‘not irreparable’
The Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has said relations with the Police Ombudsman have been damaged but not irreparably.
He said in a BBC programme: “I have known the Police Ombudsman for many, many years and have a high regard for her. That is unquestionable. I have no doubt that relationships can be rebuilt. They have been damaged. But I feel that I have been sorely wronged and I think this is grossly unfair.”
Sir Ronnie is considering High Court action over Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s report claiming that his flawed judgment had significantly reduced the chances of apprehending the terrorists who murdered 29 people.
However, Sir Ronnie repeated his assertion that the way the report was compiled went against natural justice.
“The draft report reaches very sweeping conclusions about me without me ever having been interviewed, without those conclusions ever having been put to me and without me ever having been given an opportunity to respond.”
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson said the credibility of the Ombudsman had taken a “serious knock”.
Mr Mandelson told the Today programme the Ombudsman’s report was a “very poor piece of work indeed”. He added: “I think it falls below the quality and standards of objectivity and rigour required in a report of this kind.”
He said it was a serious subject and that the Ombudsman had made the “most extreme conclusions” about the Chief Constable, accusing him of “defective leadership, poor judgment and a lack of urgency”.
Mr Mandelson said it was because of the seriousness of the charges that he had decided to speak up. (AMcE)
He said in a BBC programme: “I have known the Police Ombudsman for many, many years and have a high regard for her. That is unquestionable. I have no doubt that relationships can be rebuilt. They have been damaged. But I feel that I have been sorely wronged and I think this is grossly unfair.”
Sir Ronnie is considering High Court action over Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s report claiming that his flawed judgment had significantly reduced the chances of apprehending the terrorists who murdered 29 people.
However, Sir Ronnie repeated his assertion that the way the report was compiled went against natural justice.
“The draft report reaches very sweeping conclusions about me without me ever having been interviewed, without those conclusions ever having been put to me and without me ever having been given an opportunity to respond.”
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson said the credibility of the Ombudsman had taken a “serious knock”.
Mr Mandelson told the Today programme the Ombudsman’s report was a “very poor piece of work indeed”. He added: “I think it falls below the quality and standards of objectivity and rigour required in a report of this kind.”
He said it was a serious subject and that the Ombudsman had made the “most extreme conclusions” about the Chief Constable, accusing him of “defective leadership, poor judgment and a lack of urgency”.
Mr Mandelson said it was because of the seriousness of the charges that he had decided to speak up. (AMcE)
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24 January 2007
Police Ombudsman to brief board on report
The Policing Board are to be briefed by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan this afternoon. The meeting is expected to be tense and the PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is expected to attend the meeting. Mrs O'Loan's report has come under fire from the retired police officer's association.
Police Ombudsman to brief board on report
The Policing Board are to be briefed by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan this afternoon. The meeting is expected to be tense and the PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde is expected to attend the meeting. Mrs O'Loan's report has come under fire from the retired police officer's association.
08 February 2002
Policing Board revamp investigation in bid to end rift
In a bid to end the rift between the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable, the Policing Board have decided to appoint a senior officer from England to conduct the investigation into the Omagh bombing.
Policing Board revamp investigation in bid to end rift
In a bid to end the rift between the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable, the Policing Board have decided to appoint a senior officer from England to conduct the investigation into the Omagh bombing.
19 December 2001
Police Ombudsman and Chief Constable in talks
Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, have held talks over the Omagh bomb inquiry. A public row between Sir Ronnie and Mrs O'Loan broke out last week following the publication of a critical report into the RUC handling of the Omagh investigation.
Police Ombudsman and Chief Constable in talks
Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, have held talks over the Omagh bomb inquiry. A public row between Sir Ronnie and Mrs O'Loan broke out last week following the publication of a critical report into the RUC handling of the Omagh investigation.
23 January 2007
Former Chief Constable denies knowledge of collusion
Former RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has today denied knowing about the collusion between his officers and loyalist paramilitaries when he was in charge.
Former Chief Constable denies knowledge of collusion
Former RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has today denied knowing about the collusion between his officers and loyalist paramilitaries when he was in charge.
05 September 2011
Police Ombudsman To Quit 'Toxic' Position
A "vendetta against the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) has created a situation that will be toxic for whoever holds the position of Police Ombudsman", says the DUP Chair of the Justice Committee, Paul Givan.
Police Ombudsman To Quit 'Toxic' Position
A "vendetta against the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) has created a situation that will be toxic for whoever holds the position of Police Ombudsman", says the DUP Chair of the Justice Committee, Paul Givan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
