Skip to main content
Department of Justice Department of Justice An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt Männystrie O tha Laa

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Minister Long pays tribute to Sir Desmond Rea

    Date published: 26 May 2026

    Justice Minister Naomi Long has paid tribute to Professor Sir Desmond Rea, extending condolences to his family and friends on his passing.

    DoJ News logo

    Professor Sir Desmond Rea served as the inaugural Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board from its establishment in 2001 until 2009, playing a crucial role at a time of significant change and transformation for policing in Northern Ireland.

    Minister Long said: “Sir Desmond will long be remembered for his role as Chairman of the first Northern Ireland Policing Board.  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. 

    “I extend my deepest sympathies to Sir Desmond’s wife Maeve, his daughters and the wider family.”

    Latest news

    • Court Prosecutions, Convictions and Out of Court Disposals Statistics for Northern Ireland, 2025 published today

      17 June 2026

    • King's Birthday Honours recipients commended

      12 June 2026

    • Justice Minister Naomi Long has responded to disorder tonight.

      9 June 2026

    • Long issues statement on north Belfast knife attack

      9 June 2026

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens