Oversight commissioner to succeed O'Loan

Nuala O'Loan's successor as Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland will be former Police Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson, the Northern Secretary Peter Hain has announced.

Mr Hutchinson (59), a Canadian, will take over the £122,000 post in November when Mrs O'Loan stands down. He served nearly 34 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, retiring at the senior executive rank as the assistant commissioner responsible for operations in Ontario, Canada's largest province.

He was appointed chief of staff at the office of the Oversight Commissioner in 2001, taking over as commissioner on the retirement of Tom Constantine in 2004.

He has experience of economic crime, drug enforcement, VIP protection, public order, human resources and organisational change management.

Mr Hain said the post of Police Ombudsman was one of the most challenging in the North and he was pleased to secure the services of Mr Hutchinson.

"Nuala O'Loan has done an outstanding job in establishing a reputation for rigour and independence and has set a template for the future," the Northern Secretary said. "This appointment was made after a rigorous selection process which adhered to public appointment guidelines.

"I am impressed by the strong public record and extensive knowledge of policing issues in Northern Ireland that he will bring to the post," he added.

There were indications last night that the North's Police Federation, which represents PSNI members, will, initially at least, have a better relationship with the new ombudsman than with Mrs O'Loan.

DUP MLA and former federation chief Jimmy Spratt again attacked Mrs O'Loan while welcoming the new appointment. He said Mr Hutchinson, during all of his dealings in Northern Ireland, "has demonstrated his absolute integrity and impartiality in all his work as oversight commissioner".

"No tears will be shed in policing circles at the demise of the present ombudsman," Mr Spratt added, "given the widespread belief that her office has acted in a partisan manner towards the former Royal Ulster Constabulary and its officers, and indeed in many of her dealings with serving police officers who, it was apparent, were unwilling to co-operate with her."