Ford pays tribute to retiring PPS Director

3.26.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Sep 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has paid tribute to Sir Alasdair Fraser, who retired today as Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

The Minister said the commitment of Sir Alasdair to public service over a period of 40 years is outstanding and described him as being instrumental in shaping the development of the prosecution service in Northern Ireland.

David Ford said: "Sir Alasdair's dedication to criminal justice is beyond question. He has never lost sight of the fact that the prosecution service sits at the heart of the criminal justice system and that it is essential that it responds to the concerns of society, whilst always being independent, fair and effective.

"He has worked tirelessly to establish a service which is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future in which the traditional values of impartially and objectivity are combined with efficiency, a willingness to explain reasons for decisions and a firm commitment to collaborative working."