Sir Ronnie Flanagan is to step down as head of the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI), it was announced this evening. Mr Flanagan has been in charge of the force for five years.
He signalled his intention to resign on the day the former RUC changed its name to the PSNI. It is expected the process of finding a successor will take up to three months. Mr Flanagan has been in the force 31 years.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, paid tribute to Mr Flanagan saying: "He has done immense work in recent years".
Stormont First Minister Mr Trimble said Mr Flanagan was "a unique Chief Constable" and "a superb communicator"
"Sir Ronnie made a greater impact than many if not all of his predecessors," he said.
"He had to deal with a very difficult transitional period," and was instrumental in foundation of the new police force, Mr Trimble said.