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Simon Byrne

Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He's facing calls to resign over the policing of a republican funeral that has sparked violent disorder and protests.

Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland - who's facing calls to resign over the policing of a republican funeral during the pandemic, sparking violent disorder and protests.

Simon Byrne, who's 57, is a policeman through and through. He joined the Metropolitan police as a teenager, straight out of school. Rising through the ranks, he took on senior roles in Merseyside, Manchester, London and Cheshire. He's now head of police in Northern Ireland, a post which many regard as the most difficult policing job in the UK, if not the world. Less than two years in post, and with the added challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit, Simon Byrne finds himself in a situation where policing and politics have collided.

Becky Milligan talks to friends and colleagues about the man with a reputation for getting things done, a love of steam trains and a commitment to public service.

Researcher: Stefania Okereke
Producer: Sally Abrahams
Editor: Richard Vadon

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Sun 18 Apr 2021 17:40

Broadcasts

  • Sat 17 Apr 2021 19:00
  • Sun 18 Apr 2021 05:45
  • Sun 18 Apr 2021 17:40

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