Patten will bring Garda, RUC closer - Flanagan

The recommendations of the Patten Report will formalise existing good relations between the RUC and the Garda Siochana, according to the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan.

Speaking on the final day of the European Cross-Border Co-operation Conference yesterday, Sir Ronnie was responding to a question from Mr Terry Carlin, Irish Congress of Trade Unions. He was asked if the police service was prepared for major changes in its role and function that would be introduced by the Patten Report. Sir Ronnie said the Patten Report encouraged the RUC to develop structures that were already in place. He said his police force had "a very vibrant relationship" with the Garda Siochana.

"These recommendations will bring us closer than we already are. They should be welcomed, not just by the police, but by all citizens of Ireland because they are bringing about an enhanced system of policing," he said.

"If we are to remotely achieve success, there must be collaborative partnership between everyone involved, and I can think of no partnership the RUC cherishes more than that with its colleagues in the Garda Siochana.

"I have no doubt the recommendations in the Patten report will see that enhanced even further," he said.

Assistant Garda Commissioner Mr Kevin Carty added: "There is nothing very radical there. It will basically be formalising things that have been happening all along."

Mr Carty outlined what he described as the constant and effective co-operation between the two police services. He said the Garda Siochana had long recognised the importance of cross-Border co-operation in the battle against crime.

"That co-operation has been enhanced by many personal friendships that can and will continue to stand the test of time, despite pressures that exist for both forces from different quarters," he said.

He said there was a camaraderie between police men and women that was not affected by politics or any other outside circumstances.

The joint investigation following the Omagh bombing of August 1998 was an example of practical police co-operation at its very best, he said.

Ms Monica McWilliams, leader of the Womens' Coalition, asked Sir Ronnie if he was surprised there had been no applications for employment from the Republic of Ireland, despite recent advertisements for investigators. She wondered if this augured badly for the recommendations outlined in the Patten report.

Sir Ronnie said he was "disappointed but not surprised".

"I think it will be some time before colleagues of Kevin's [the Assistant Garda Commissioner] from Cork, Galway, Dublin or even Donegal come and be officers in the North. It's something I'd see as a very healthy development," he said.

Both Mr Carty and Sir Ronnie said the police forces must now look to Europe and beyond to remain effective in the fight against crime, particularly drugs trafficking.

On Saturday, there was a workshop on cross-Border policing and security with contributions from Dr Frank Gallagher of Kent Constabulary and Chief Supt Peter Broeders, Netherlands National Police Agency.