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Hain backs Orde over revelations | |
(about 19 hours later) | |
The secretary of state has given Sir Hugh Orde his "complete and unequivocal support" after revelations he fathered a child outside of his marriage. | |
The News of the World published details of the PSNI chief constable's relationship with a Metropolitan Police detective with whom he has a baby son. | |
In a statement Sir Hugh said his wife and son, 21, know of the situation. | In a statement Sir Hugh said his wife and son, 21, know of the situation. |
Peter Hain said the PSNI chief was recognised as an officer of immense ability and professionalism. | |
Sir Hugh's leadership of the PSNI was "quite simply outstanding", said the secretary of state. | |
"It is in no small measure due to that leadership that for the first time in Northern Ireland we have all party support for policing. | |
In his role as chief constable, Sir Hugh Orde has been, and continues to be, a highly professional police office Policing Board | |
"Neither Hugh nor the Government will be deflected by what is a private matter from continuing to build on what he is achieving with the PSNI." | |
In a statement on Sunday, Sir Hugh said: "This is a personal and private matter which doesn't affect and never affected my ability to do my job. | |
"My family are fully aware and supportive. I would ask that the privacy of all the individuals involved is respected." | "My family are fully aware and supportive. I would ask that the privacy of all the individuals involved is respected." |
Speaking on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton said the force had "every confidence" in Sir Hugh. | Speaking on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton said the force had "every confidence" in Sir Hugh. |
"This is a private matter which has no bearing on the chief constable's professional ability," he said. | "This is a private matter which has no bearing on the chief constable's professional ability," he said. |
"He is doing a fantastic job and has led this organisation through some challenging and difficult times. We have every confidence in him as chief constable of this police service." | "He is doing a fantastic job and has led this organisation through some challenging and difficult times. We have every confidence in him as chief constable of this police service." |
Honours | |
A Policing Board spokesman said the issue was "a personal and private matter for the chief constable". | |
"In his role as chief constable, Sir Hugh Orde has been, and continues to be, a highly professional police officer. | |
Peter Hain said the PSNI chief was an officer of immense ability | |
"He has the full support of the chairman, the vice chairman and the members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board." | |
Sir Hugh, whose hobbies include marathon running, was appointed chief constable in May 2002, replacing Sir Ronnie Flanagan. | Sir Hugh, whose hobbies include marathon running, was appointed chief constable in May 2002, replacing Sir Ronnie Flanagan. |
He joined the Metropolitan Police in London in 1977 and rose to deputy assistant commissioner. | He joined the Metropolitan Police in London in 1977 and rose to deputy assistant commissioner. |
He was leading the investigation into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane as part of the Stevens Inquiry when he was picked to fill the top post in the PSNI. | He was leading the investigation into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane as part of the Stevens Inquiry when he was picked to fill the top post in the PSNI. |
He was awarded an OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours 2001 and a Knighthood in the Queens Birthday Honours 2005. | He was awarded an OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours 2001 and a Knighthood in the Queens Birthday Honours 2005. |