Tributes paid to 'one of the founding fathers' of modern policing in Northern Ireland, Professor Desmond Rea
Tributes have been paid to “one of the founding fathers” of modern policing in Northern Ireland, Professor Desmond Rea, after his death this week.
He was the first chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, serving in the position from 2001-2009, continuing as an independent member until 2011.
In 2004 he was knighted for his services to policing.
An economist by profession, Prof Rea was a former professor of Human Resource Management at University of Ulster and had a long history of working to improve Northern Ireland with many bodies.
From 1982 he had been a leading member of Northern Consensus Group, a cross-community group of professionals who lobbied for a government involving both unionists and nationalists.
Tributes were paid to him and his legacy, with many extending condolences to his wife Maeve, his daughters and wider family.
Justice Minister Naomi Long noted that he served as the inaugural chairman of the Policing Board, playing a “crucial” role at a time of significant change.
She said: “Sir Desmond dedicated much of his life to public service, overseeing the board and the PSNI during a critical and very sensitive time in Northern Ireland, overseeing the newly formed Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and implementing the significant reforms from the Patten review."
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said that as the first chair of the Policing Board he brought “calm authority, integrity and independence at a time when confidence in policing was fragile and deeply divided”.
He added: “He was a unique individual who was respected across political and civic life, he combined a lifetime of invaluable experience and academic insight with a deep commitment to public service.”
Policing Board chair Brendan Mullan also noted his contribution.
“Sir Desmond was one of the founding fathers of the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland, progressing and embedding a programme of reform and policing change that was unparalleled in modern policing,” he said.
“Working closely with his then vice chair Denis Bradley and new board members, Sir Desmond articulated a vision for the new police service which exemplified his clear understanding of the importance of a new start for policing after the Patten Review as a fundamental pillar of the developing peace process.”
Mr Mullan also offered a quotation from Sir Desmond from 2006, which he felt summed up his attitude: “If there is belief, willingness, commitment, drive and enthusiasm as there has been, real change happens.”
SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP said he played “a hugely important role” in implementing Chris Patten's recommendations for the reform of policing as the first chair of the Policing Board.
“He took on that responsibility during an immensely challenging and sensitive period and helped provide stability and leadership at a critical time for policing and public confidence,” she said.
Former Alliance Party leader John Cushnahan said they had been close friends for over 50 years.
“He was a committed and courageous public servant responsible for many positive contributions to Northern Ireland political life including the reform of policing,” he added.
HM Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, said she was saddened to learn of his death, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin also paid tribute, noting that as the inaugural chair of the Policing Board, he made “an enormous contribution to the transformation of policing in Northern Ireland”.