The whole new approach to police recruitment seems to be reaping significant rewards

Pat Armstrong NI Police Authority

The first 260 recruits will begin training later this year and it is hoped to have the new officers on the streets by spring 2002.

Meanwhile, the RUC is being reduced in number, with 1,250 set to go before the launch of the new policing service.

Police Authority chairman Pat Armstrong said the numbers of Catholics signing up to join was a "real step forward" in the creation of the new service.

"The whole new approach to police recruitment seems to be reaping significant rewards," he said.

"The community have shown their willingness to become involved in policing through the large numbers of applications received."

'Very pleased'

The figure of 35% was considerably up on the last RUC recruitment campaign in 1998, in which 22% of those who applied were Catholic.

The present force is about 92% Protestant.

Policing will be one of the main issues to be resolved in the political talks due to begin later this month.

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid said he was "very pleased" that 35% of applicants were Catholic.

Dr Reid was speaking in Dublin after talks with Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen to assess the implications of last week's general election results.

"It does look as though we have had a good response to the new policing service in Northern Ireland from the Catholic community.

"But what people want us to do, rather than rest on our laurels, is now to go forward and fulfil all the remaining aspects of the agreement.

"That is the way to make sure there is a secure future for Northern Ireland."

Sinn Fein is demanding significant amendments to the Police Act, to make the new service more accountable, and for a ban on plastic bullets.

The nationalist SDLP is facing a huge decision on whether to sign up to the new arrangements and take its place on the new Police Board.

Unionists are calling for the retention of the RUC's name, badge and insignia.