Political leaders in Northern Ireland need to “advocate together” for policing rather than “sniping” at each other, Jon Boutcher has said.
The PSNI chief constable said he would not get “dragged into politics” but added the region needs a moment such as Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness “coming together”.
Mr Boutcher was answering questions at the Policing Board over recent dissident republican attacks on police stations in Dunmurry and Lurgan.
He criticised the “cowards” behind the incident in Dunmurry who he said had treated a member of the public like a “human bomb”.
Following the Dunmurry attack, Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill and DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appeared together at a press conference with the chief constable.
However, the two parties have since clashed after DUP leader Gavin Robinson asked questions about Sinn Fein’s level of support for policing.
DUP board member Keith Buchanan said there were “mixed messages” over terrorist attacks.
He said: “Some political leaders will condemn an attack in 2026 but won’t condemn an attack in 1976.
“Yes, that’s 50 years ago, but the effects of that is still there.
“My point being groups seeing that and listening to that, an attack in 2026 is wrong, all attacks were wrong.
“You have to condemn all attacks. You just can’t say they’re regrettable.
“So is that giving you a problem that political leaders in Northern Ireland are not condemning all attacks over a long period of time, and is that giving credence to some of these new groups that think what may have worked for them may work for us?”
Mr Boutcher said he was “not going to get dragged into politics”.
He added: “I’m speaking to political leaders because I don’t think enough has been done to advocate for policing, collectively, jointly.
“What we need is a moment where we’ve seen previously with Reverend Paisley and Martin McGuinness coming together to make sure that this place moved forward.
“What I don’t want is a league table of who supports policing more.
“These attacks are criminal terrorist attacks, they all need to be condemned.”
Mr Boutcher added: “What I need our political parties to do… is come together to advocate for policing together, not separately, not try to snipe at each other, together.
“That’s what we need, that’s what the men and women of the PSNI need, and that’s what I’ve asked for.
“All terrorist attacks should be condemned. I’m very clear on that.”
A hijacked delivery car exploded outside Dunmurry police station last month as homes were being evacuated in an attack claimed by dissident republicans.
One person has appeared in court.
Mr Boutcher said it was a “futile, senseless unacceptable attack”.
He added: “I said before, an attack against the Police Service of Northern Ireland is an attack against all our communities.
“That device could have exploded at any point between the hijacking and the PSNI station.
“That no-one was killed or injured is nothing short of miraculous.
“Those responsible snatched an innocent local worker off the streets and deliberately turned that person into a human bomb.
“The level of cruelty and distress to that individual is barely believable.
“Even amongst the list of abhorrent terrorist tactics, this is a disturbing low.
“Words fail to properly describe the vileness of these people.”
Mr Boutcher said those that had carried out the attack “deserve no protection”.
He added: “I pay special tribute to the courage and professionalism of the officers and staff at Dunmurry station.
“In an environment of uncertainty and danger, they put the safety of others first, running towards the threat to evacuate nearby homes and bring residents, including families and very young children, to safety.
“Their courage stands in stark contrast to those cowards who carried out the attack.
“In response to the attack, we’ve increased our proactive patrolling and vehicle checkpoints across the country.
“We’re aware this may cause some inconvenience and we’re asking for patience as we strive to keep everybody safe.”
