Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has welcomed the appointment of a new Interim Chief Constable of the PSNI.

The Sinn Féin member of the Policing Board said:

“I welcome the decision by the panel set up by the Policing Board to appoint an Interim Chief Constable of the PSNI.

“Jon Boutcher is a very experienced police officer, he has recent experience of working here in the north and he is free to take up the reins with immediate effect.

“I don’t underestimate the scale of the challenges he faces in taking up the role of ICC at this time.

“There is clearly a job of work to do to rebuild trust and confidence in the police with the community, PSNI officers, staff and families following the huge data leak and the recent resignation of Simon Byrne.

“This is the time for all of us in political leadership, in the Policing Board and the PSNI to refocus on the task of delivering an efficient and effective policing service that works with and within the whole community impartially.

“To that end the process of appoint a new Chief Constable is now also under way and I wish Jon Boutcher well in carrying what will be a difficult task until that process is complete.”