The Northern Secretary has announced the full membership of the new Policing Board following a week of wrangles over who was to be its chairman.
There had been intense political lobbying from both the unionist parties and the SDLP in favour of candidates of their political persuasion.
The Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, however, announced that he was sticking to his original plan of appointing two of the board's nine independent members, a business academic, Prof Desmond Rea, and a former Derry priest, Mr Denis Bradley, as chairman and vice-chairman.
Dr Reid said the board was central to Mr Chris Patten's vision of a new beginning to policing.
"Patten rightly said that the Board must command respect and credibility. I am confident that those who have been appointed . . . will command such confidence".
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen said the 19 board members would have the Government's full support.
"On their shoulders rests an enormous challenge - the task of bringing about a fully account able, representative and effective police service for all the people of Northern Ireland.
The new vice-chairman, Mr Denis Bradley, said he believed a police service commanding the support of the whole community was now achievable.
"I think that's what people want in their hearts. I want it for me, I want it for my children and for all the other people who live here."
An SDLP MLA, Mr Alban Maginness, and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Dr Alastair Dunlop, also welcomed the appointments.
Independent members will receive an annual salary of £12,000 with the chairman earning £45,000 and the vice-chairman £35,000. The political appointees will not receive a remuneration.