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01/07/2019
'No Honeymoon Period' For New Police Chief
As the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne was sworn into his new role today, an SDLP MLA has highlighted the list of pressing issues that await him.
Northern Ireland's marching season is set to get underway and policing continues to face challenges on several fronts as Mr Byrne succeeds Sir George Hamilton.
Policing Board member and Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly welcomed the new police chief to his position and urged him to hit the ground running in this "critical time".
"I want to extend my congratulations to Simon Byrne as he formally takes up the role of PSNI Chief Constable this afternoon," Ms Kelly said. "I look forward to working constructively with Mr Byrne as the PSNI seeks to address the challenges it faces on many fronts.
"The Chief Constable will know not to expect a honeymoon period. He has been appointed in the mouth of the marching season and while policing in the North faces significant challenges, not least of all in relation to legacy investigations, failures of disclosure, recruitment and a fundamental fall in confidence following the outrageous pursuit of two journalists for shining a light on Loughinisland.
"This is a critical time for policing and the new Chief Constable must get to grips with the task ahead very quickly. The Policing Board will play a constructive and critical role in resolving these challenges."
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair also offered his well wishes as Mr Byrne embarks on his new position.
The south Antrim MLA commented: "I congratulate Simon Byrne and wish him every success in the role, which will no doubt be incredibly challenging.
"However, judging by his dedication to delivering policing for all, I am confident he can meet them – from tackling the dissident threat to increasing confidence across the community in policing, particularly in the summer months.
"I look forward to working closely with him on the Policing Board and helping him do his part in delivering a shared society for everyone in Northern Ireland."
(JG/CM)
Northern Ireland's marching season is set to get underway and policing continues to face challenges on several fronts as Mr Byrne succeeds Sir George Hamilton.
Policing Board member and Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly welcomed the new police chief to his position and urged him to hit the ground running in this "critical time".
"I want to extend my congratulations to Simon Byrne as he formally takes up the role of PSNI Chief Constable this afternoon," Ms Kelly said. "I look forward to working constructively with Mr Byrne as the PSNI seeks to address the challenges it faces on many fronts.
"The Chief Constable will know not to expect a honeymoon period. He has been appointed in the mouth of the marching season and while policing in the North faces significant challenges, not least of all in relation to legacy investigations, failures of disclosure, recruitment and a fundamental fall in confidence following the outrageous pursuit of two journalists for shining a light on Loughinisland.
"This is a critical time for policing and the new Chief Constable must get to grips with the task ahead very quickly. The Policing Board will play a constructive and critical role in resolving these challenges."
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair also offered his well wishes as Mr Byrne embarks on his new position.
The south Antrim MLA commented: "I congratulate Simon Byrne and wish him every success in the role, which will no doubt be incredibly challenging.
"However, judging by his dedication to delivering policing for all, I am confident he can meet them – from tackling the dissident threat to increasing confidence across the community in policing, particularly in the summer months.
"I look forward to working closely with him on the Policing Board and helping him do his part in delivering a shared society for everyone in Northern Ireland."
(JG/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
