Orde Tipped For Met Job

Northern Ireland's top cop has been tipped as a contender for the most coveted police job in the UK, following the resignation of Met chief Sir Ian Blair.

Despite having two years remaining on his PSNI contract, Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has refused to rule himself out for the post.

The police chief insisted he would "wait and see what happens"; telling the BBC he "had no plans to move at the moment".

Sir Hugh said his seven-year tenure as the head of the Northern Ireland police service has proved challenging, and remains so.

"I'm not convinced that anyone who has done this would actually be prepared to move on and do another five years in such a challenging role," he said.

London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair stepped down yesterday, amid continued media speculation.

The announcement was made during a press conference in the capital; with wide suspicion Sir Ian's move had been prompted by newly elected Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson.

Sir Ian said he had hoped to stay on until the end of his term of office in February 2010.

The head of counter-terrorism in London, said his decision did not reflect on any failings within the force, rather the fact "he could not continue without the support of Mr Johnson".

(PR)