Orde predicts no return to past violence in NI

The outgoing PSNI chief constable says he does not think another serious republican paramilitary organisation will emerge as a significant threat in the North.

Hugh Orde is due to stand down from the job next week and will be replaced by Matt Baggott, the current chief constable of the Leicestershire police.

Mr Orde says that, while the Real IRA and Continuity IRA remain capable of mounting attacks, they have no ability to conduct a sustained armed campaign.

He says he does not believe the community will allow any group to drag the North back into the past.