Minister rejects ‘outsider’ claims about Harris

New Garda commissioner Drew Harris IRISH justice minister Charlie Flanagan has rejected concern about the vetting of the incoming Garda commissioner — former PSNI deputy chief constable Drew Harris — saying he is not an outsider but an Irishman.

The appointment of Mr Harris has come under criticism since it was announced he would lead the beleaguered force.

Ciaran MacAirt, whose grandmother was one of 15 people killed at McGurk’s Bar in Belfast in December 1971, tried to challenge the appointment via a Dublin High Court action.

The application for a judicial review was dismissed, however.

Ahead of taking up the role next week, Mr Flanagan rowed in behind Mr Harris in the face of the criticism, saying he will make an “excellent commissioner.”

“He has a wide range of expertise and experience. I note that he’s been dubbed an outsider, I reject that,” Mr Flanagan said. “He is an expe- rienced police man. He has spent all of his career on police issues.”

The minister also rejected claims Mr Harris could not have been properly vetted due to the fact that he lives outside of the jurisdiction.

Mr Flanagan said he is satisfied the appropriate levels of scrutiny will apply.

Asked if Mr Harris had secured his Irish passport to date, the minister said: “Drew Harris is an Irishman. He served with distinction in Northern Ireland in very difficult circumstances, saw first hand the Troubles on the island of Ireland with

the loss of his father.”