Annesley urged to retire early

The RUC Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Annesley, is facing a no confidence vote from his police authority over the handling of the…

The RUC Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Annesley, is facing a no confidence vote from his police authority over the handling of the Drumcree crisis.

The Alliance Party chairman, Mr Sean Neeson, a member of the 20 strong authority, said he will table the motion and urged the Chief Constable to leave his post ahead of his planned retirement in November.

"It's quite clear the Chief Constable does not have the confidence or support of the vast majority of people from either a unionist perspective or a nationalist perspective," he said.

"Northern Ireland was brought nearly to the brink of civil war because of his handling of the situation. The police authority is accountable to the community and the Chief Constable is accountable to the authority.

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I believe it's in everyone's interests that he goes as soon as possible."

The authority, whose members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, will meet this week.