Search begins for NI policing board members

The British government today started the search for 10 independent members to sit on a reconstituted Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Advertisements are being placed in newspapers seeking applicants to fill the independent seats on the 19 member board for four years from next April.

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said: “These appointments are some of the most important in Northern Ireland.

“Government is seeking to continue to build on the policing board’s admirable and considerable work to date.

“We would encourage individuals from all sections of the community to come forward and apply.”

Existing members can reapply, but Professor Sir Des Rea, the board chairman, remained silent today on whether he was planning do so. There would be surprise within board circles if he did not seek to remain.

Deputy chairman Denis Bradley has already said he will stand down in April.

The primary function of the board is to hold the Chief Constable and the Police Service publicly to account.

It has a key role in ensuring the provision of an effective, efficient, impartial and accountable police service will enjoy the support of all sections of the Northern Ireland community.

Board members will be expected to give at least four days a month to the board. They will be paid £15,000 (€22,000) a year, with additional allowances available.

Dissident republicans have waged a campaign of terror against independent members, targeting their homes in petrol bomb attacks and issuing death threats.

Deputy chairman Denis Bradley is still recovering after suffering head injuries when he was attacked with a baseball bat in a Derry pub in September.

He had previously been threatened and had his home petrol bombed.