Less than a handful of senior officers are thought to have applied for the job of chief constable of Northern Ireland's new police force, it emerged today.
With acting Chief Constable Mr Colin Cramphorn confirming he would not be in the running, sources close to the North's policing board indicated the low interest posed major problems.
Applications for the £130,000 a year post close later today.
Mr Cramphorn had stepped up from deputy chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland after Sir Ronnie Flanagan quit last month.
Though he agreed only to head the PSNI until a permanent successor was found, his name was among those touted as serious contenders for one of the toughest jobs in worldwide policing.
But in a statement issued today he spelt out why he would not be going forward.
"It has become apparent to me that the board's aspiration is for a chief constable of a style and type that I could never be," he said.
"In recognition of this and out of respect for the board's prerogative in the matter of the appointment of chief officers I have therefore decided not to burden the board with an application which would be in neither my own or the board's long term best interests."
It is understood Mr Cramphorn has made it clear he sees his future away from Northern Ireland.
According to sources only five application packs were sent out to officers interested in the job. It is believed Mr Cramphorn received one of these, leaving a maximum of four people in the running. The number who filled out and returned the forms could be even fewer.
Among those expected to pitch their hats in the ring were two senior PSNI officers: Mr Alan McQuillan, the assistant chief constable for Belfast; and Mr Chris Albiston, who has returned from secondment in Kosovo.
An interviewing panel drawn from the Northern Ireland Policing Board has been given the task of making an appointment before the end of June.
The new chief constable could then be thrust into Northern Ireland's volatile marching season.
A board source said: "The PSNI will be fortunate if it receives more than three applications."
PA