Policing board deputy denies 'talking shop' claims

The deputy chair of the North's policing board, who was re-elected unanimously earlier today, has denied claims that the board is merely an expensive talking shop.

Barry Gilligan has welcomed Sinn Féin's presence on the board, and said its contributions so far had been valuable and responsible.

He has denied accusations that the local district policing partnership boards, or DPPs, and the main board fail to hold the police to account.

"I don't accept that for a moment and you don't have to take my word for it - the Oversight Commissioner's report over the past few years have paid tribute to the work of the DPPs, and the work of the Board.

"And the structures we have in place here are now recognised internationally as an example of best practice in policing architecture, so we absolutely nothing to be ashamed of."