Peter Hain said policing must be freed from politics

Mr Hain, speaking to the British Irish Association in Cambridge, said the PSNI had undergone massive change.

He said 65% of the 175 Patten Report recommendations on policing the province had been fully implemented.

"My message to everyone - from loyalists to republican - is: work with the PSNI and allow others to do so," he said.

With Sinn Fein still refusing to urge its supporters to recognise the Police Service of Northern Ireland because it believes reforms do not go far enough, Mr Hain said more progress was being made on the remaining Patten recommendations.

Mr Hain said in under four years, the composition of Catholics in the regular force had risen from 8% to 18.41% and that the proportion of women officers has gone from 13% to almost 20%.

He also commended the leadership shown by the chief constable in meeting the many challenges and opportunities the PSNI faced in policing in Northern Ireland.

"Sir Hugh Orde and his officers have risen to the opportunities given to them through policing in Northern Ireland admirably," he said.

"Policing matters to people in Northern Ireland more than ever before.

"People want to see professionalism, dedication and courage. They must continue to have confidence in the police service.

"That is why I said earlier this week that paramilitaries will not be able to join the police.

"But equally we must continue to develop community policing, including considering the introduction of Community Support Officers who have been so successful in Great Britain."