Taoiseach to meet NI Police Ombudsman

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will meet the former Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, in Dublin later today.

Mr Ahern will pay tribute to Ms O’Loan for the crucial role she played in establishing the office of the Ombudsman as a central part of the Patten Commission’s policing reforms.

Ms O’Loan, who stepped down as Police Ombudsman on November 5, will meet the Taoiseach in Government buildings.

“The Taoiseach is acknowledging her outstanding contribution to public life in Northern Ireland, particularly for her help in securing overwhelming cross community support for policing, which is central to the peace process,” said a government spokesman.

“She demonstrated extraordinary conviction, dedication and personal courage throughout her term of office and those engaged in the political process owe much to people like Nuala, who made such a practical, positive difference in her role as Ombudsman.”