Former RNC Chief Joe Boland is clarifying some comments and standing by others he made at a national conference on police oversight last week.

In an exclusive interview with VOCM News, Boland still insists he was “pushed out” in 2021 by as-yet unnamed higher-ups.

Boland says deliberate roadblocks prevented him from pursuing more openness and oversight of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

“When you can’t fill vacancies, when your recruiting gets shut down, it becomes problematic. When people don’t respond to emails… and it was a concerted effort by several politicians and by the union and by certain senior bureaucrats.”

Boland isn’t naming names—yet.

He also clarified that he didn’t say politicians were “directing” investigations, as addressed by Premier Andrew Furey on Tuesday.

“At no point did I ever say that politicians were trying to direct or pressure me when it comes to investigations.”

Indirectly though he says the lack of co-operation from government frustrated him into retirement.

But as a former chief and union boss, a national conference on police oversight was a no-brainer to break his silence.

“It’s probably unprecedented but I do have an opinion and a right to voice it.”