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Drew Harris is new PSNI deputy chief constable Drew Harris is new PSNI deputy chief constable
(about 1 hour later)
Drew Harris has been appointed the new deputy chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.Drew Harris has been appointed the new deputy chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The post became vacant when Judith Gillespie stepped down in March.The post became vacant when Judith Gillespie stepped down in March.
Only two candidates - Mr Harris and his fellow assistant chief constable Will Kerr - applied.Only two candidates - Mr Harris and his fellow assistant chief constable Will Kerr - applied.
The chair of the Policing Board, Anne Connolly, said Mr Harris "brings immense experience and knowledge of policing to the job".The chair of the Policing Board, Anne Connolly, said Mr Harris "brings immense experience and knowledge of policing to the job".
She added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the unsuccessful candidate for their interest in the post and also Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Finlay for his work over the last number of months." She added: "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the unsuccessful candidate for their interest in the post and also temporary Deputy Chief Constable Finlay for his work over the last number of months."
On Monday, the Policing Board rejected Sinn Féin claims that the recruitment process was compromised.On Monday, the Policing Board rejected Sinn Féin claims that the recruitment process was compromised.
Sinn Féin Policing Board member Caitríona Ruane said she would withdraw from the selection panel.Sinn Féin Policing Board member Caitríona Ruane said she would withdraw from the selection panel.
"In light of the need for absolute transparency in all public appointments, and to protect the Policing Board's integrity, I believe the best course of action would be to begin a new recruitment process," she said."In light of the need for absolute transparency in all public appointments, and to protect the Policing Board's integrity, I believe the best course of action would be to begin a new recruitment process," she said.
She later said her concerns did not "reflect in any way on either of the two senior officers involved".
However, DUP Policing Board member Jonathan Craig said Sinn Féin was opposed to Mr Harris' appointment because he had sanctioned the arrest of party leader Gerry Adams as part of the investigation into the murder of Belfast woman Jean McConville.
"Their only beef was that this man as a police officer carried out his duty and investigated allegations against their leader," Mr Craig said.
"They cannot pick and choose, you either support the rule of law and order or you don't."
Following the announcement of Mr Harris' appointment, Justice Minister David Ford said he had sought assurances from the Policing Board chair and chief executive.Following the announcement of Mr Harris' appointment, Justice Minister David Ford said he had sought assurances from the Policing Board chair and chief executive.
"On the basis of the assurances provided by the chair and chief executive, I am content to approve the panel's recommendation," he said."On the basis of the assurances provided by the chair and chief executive, I am content to approve the panel's recommendation," he said.
"I offer my warmest congratulations to Drew on his appointment as deputy chief constable."I offer my warmest congratulations to Drew on his appointment as deputy chief constable.
"Drew brings a wealth of experience to the role with over 30 years of service as well as an understanding of policing in Northern Ireland and the challenges facing the PSNI.""Drew brings a wealth of experience to the role with over 30 years of service as well as an understanding of policing in Northern Ireland and the challenges facing the PSNI."