Miller to chair DPP

The former RUC officer said he expected the problem of inadequate police resources in the Waterside would continue to be a big issue during his period of tenure.

But he said the local DPP would work in partnership with the PSNI to secure the best possible policing for Londonderry.

Mr Miller succeeds Sinn Fin councillor Elisha McLaughlin. At a monthly meeting of Derry City Council yesterday afternoon members were obliged to appoint Mr Miller to the chair of the partnership.

Speaking to the Sentinel Mr Miller said his past life as a bobby on the beat and long experience on the front line of policing would inform his chairmanship.

He also acknowledged an ongoing threat from dissident republicans would continue to be an issue for the DPP.

"As you know I'm an ex-policeman and bring experience from that background," said Mr Miller. "It's one of the main reasons I got involved in the DPP because I've had that interest in policing."

"Resourcing is obviously a big issue. The problem of inadequate resourcing in the Waterside, for example, is something the DPP will continue to look at. And this is all going on with the dissident threat continuing to waste much needed police resources."

Mr Miller made it clear that the DPP would make its own policies and decisions and that he would act as a fair and impartial chairman.

He also said the DPP would do exactly what it says on the tin and act in partnership with the local constabulary.

"It should not be a matter of 'us' and 'them,'" said Mr Miller. "We need to work in close partnership with the PSNI in order to address all the issues surrounding policing in the city."

Under the stipulations of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 Derry City Council is obliged to ensure that, as far as practicable, the office of Chairperson is rotated across the main political parties.

As the only Unionist member on the Londonderry DPP Alderman Miller is appointed Chairman for the period of twelve months from and including January 28, 2010.