Chief Constable 'contender' ruled out
Northern Ireland’s policing board was tonight preparing to shortlist for the chief constable’s job - as one of those thought to be in contention was ruled out.
Maria Wallis from Co Fermanagh has announced she will be taking charge of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.
As deputy chief of Sussex police, she was among those thought to have applied for the top job in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Two senior PSNI officers, Alan McQuillan, the assistant chief constable for Belfast, and Chris Albiston, are among those to have applied.
Another candidate is Hugh Orde, the high-ranking Metropolitan police officer running the Stevens inquiry into claims that security forces colluded with loyalists in the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane.
Ms Wallis had refused to confirm if she applied, but a spokesman for Sussex police insisted this was no longer relevant.
‘‘She hasn’t given any indication, and now she’s been appointed to Devon and Cornwall I think that’s the end of it,’’ he said.
It is believed Colin Cramphorn, the acting PSNI chief constable, also applied for the Devon post.
As board members decide at a meeting tomorrow who to interview for the top job in Northern Ireland, Mr Cramphorn announced three stations will be closing across the North.
Following a public consultation it had been feared up to 24 small stations could be in jeopardy.
But in a report to the Policing Board today Mr Cramphorn said he was recommending the closure of just three: Springfield Road in west Belfast; Castlehill in Dungannon; and Corry Square in Newry.
Meanwhile, the latest figures for the third recruitment drive to the PSNI have been released.
Some 4492 applications were received, all of whom will now be invited to attend an assessment centre.
The figures show a slight dip from the second campaign when 4714 people applied to join the fledgling force.
Policing Board chairman Professor Desmond Rea claimed the latest figures demonstrated it was an exciting time for new policing arrangements in the province.
‘‘It’s very rewarding for the Policing Board to see such a willingness and enthusiasm from people
from all walks of life to join the new service,’’ he added.
