Sir Hugh Orde has been under fire in recent weeks, and is frequently mired in controversy, over remarks he makes on the political process.

Last month he said the DUP and Sinn Fein needed to resolve the policing and justice devolution deadlock because it was playing into the hands of dissident republicans, intent on killing one of his officers.

The DUP said he should not be commenting on political matters, and MLA Arlene Foster repeated that view this week, suggesting that he was taking an NIO line and pressing for the devolution of policing and justice.

But ahead of her party's conference in the Stormont Hotel, Ms Purvis said Sir Hugh was right.

She said: "Rome burned while Nero fiddled is how I would sum up the state of our political process – the DUP and SF are fiddling about over issues that whilst important will not put potatoes on the table or oil in the tank.

"For the last year they have worked really hard to make loyalist and republican dissidents relevant. The Chief Constable is right when he strays into politics because politics and conflict here are inextricably linked.

"When police officers are being targeted and the impasse in the political process is a part of the cause then Sir Hugh Orde is fully justified in any commentary or criticisms he makes. He is expressing the frustration of the vast majority of the people in Northern Ireland ."

Policing may be a theme at the conference, as former PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan is to address PUP members, when he delivers the Billy McCaughey Memorial Address.

Ironically, McCaughey was not only a former RUC officer and PUP member, but a convicted UVF killer.

Mr Sheridan, was the most senior Roman Catholic in the PSNI, until recently, but is now chief executive of Co-operation Ireland.

He is due to address the critical role that communities and community leaders play in creating and forcing change in Northern Ireland.

Mr Sheridan is also expected to call for the revival and strengthening of a Shared Future action plan and a focus on the economic imperatives that will deliver benefits to all.

Former PUP MLA Billy Hutchinson is scheduled to speak about on education in disadvantages areas.

He said: "Teachers are becoming administrators, principals multi-taskers far removed from their core role to manage quality teaching and learning…..front line educators are shackled in our schools, this is a disservice to our children and young people – they only get one chance."

Ms Purvis' speech will round off the conference and she is also expected to focus on poverty and disadvantage and proclaim the PUP as the only party standing up for the working class.