New PSNI Chief Constable Urged to Repair Unionist Relations in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s new Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, has been called upon by the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, to mend relations with the unionist community. During their first meeting, Donaldson assured Boutcher of the DUP’s support but emphasized the need for recognition of recent history. He stressed that a fair and representative police service should not be influenced by political considerations.
The request follows a critical High Court judgment that deemed actions taken against junior police officers unlawful. These officers had faced disciplinary actions related to their handling of an event honoring those affected by an atrocity in Belfast during the lockdown. It was alleged that Sinn Féin had threatened to withdraw its support for policing, leading to disciplinary actions against these officers. However, Sinn Féin has denied such claims on multiple occasions.
Donaldson highlighted the importance of putting checks and balances in place to ensure that no political party can exert undue influence over the senior ranks of the police force in the future. He emphasized that all political representatives should carry equal weight, and the rule of law must be enforced impartially in every community.
In addition to addressing community relations, Donaldson also appealed for additional funding for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) due to a significant budget shortfall of around £45 million (€51 million). He expressed concern over the declining number of PSNI officers and the increasing workload placed on those who remain. Donaldson stressed the need for guaranteed future pay and adequate resources, pointing out that the underfunding of the policing budget has been a persistent issue for over a decade.
Drawing comparisons with police recruitment in England and Wales, Donaldson highlighted the inequality in resource allocation. He warned that unless the government addresses this crisis, the police in Northern Ireland will continue to be on the defensive while crime becomes more sophisticated. He called on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to provide the PSNI with the necessary tools to ensure fair, effective, and efficient policing for all communities.
It remains to be seen how Chief Constable Boutcher will approach these challenges and work toward improving unionist relations while addressing the budgetary concerns within the PSNI. The focus will be on building trust, impartiality, and delivering effective law enforcement services to all communities in Northern Ireland.
