Policing Board member attacks DUP power push

An independent nationalist member of the North's Policing Board has criticised the Democratic Unionist Party for trying to exert greater influence over the body.

The DUP is entitled to appoint five of its politicians to the board, but the party is seeking the right to also nominate its supporters to independent positions, including that of chairman.

The DUP has claimed it is entitled to these positions as legislation says the Policing Board must reflect the community and the DUP is the largest party in the North.

It has said it only wants to ensure that the next chairman reflects the majority unionist view.

Independent member Tom Kelly, however, said it was "regrettable" that the party thought it had a mandate to dictate public appointments policy, claiming this would lead to "a ridiculous society".