Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“The comments of Sinn Fein’s leader have blown apart the myth of Republican support for police and the rule of law in Northern Ireland.
“Gerry Kelly’s comments – contrary to how they have been interpreted by some this morning – did not row back from what McDonald said. Of course there are people within the PSNI who are able to apply but there is a huge difference between saying someone from within the PSNI can apply and saying there is a possibility of someone within the PSNI being appointed.
“If the public are to have any confidence in this appointment process Sinn Fein should have no say on the selection board for the new Chief Constable.”