Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Ann Winterton (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Security Situation

Question: The new Chief Constable is supported—for the first time—by all parties in Northern Ireland, and yet the police's reputation for effectiveness in combating crime and terrorism has never actually been lower. Why is that?

Answer: I am afraid that I agree with only one part of the hon. Lady's question, which is to recognise that the Chief Constable was appointed to his job with unanimous support; I entirely disagree with everything else she says. Confidence in policing in Northern Ireland is at record levels and will stay at record levels, and it continues to enjoy a support of which most hon. Members in this House would be extremely envious. The PSNI has brought down crime and been extremely successful in tackling even the activities of some of the most hated criminals in the community, and I hope she recognises that.

Secondary information