New Garda chief’s dad murdered by the IRA
NEW GARDA CHIEF REVEALED AS NORTH’S TOP COP DREW HARRIS »»His dad was killed by ira bomb in 1989 »»He vows to lead gardai in ‘era of change’
THE North’s deputy chief constable Drew Harris – whose father was murdered by the IRA – has been appointed the new Garda Commissioner.
He was seen as the frontrunner from the beginning of the process and will take up the €250,000-per-annum post for five years.
Speaking at Government Buildings yesterday Mr Harris, who will start the role in September, said he looks forward to keeping the Irish State secure.
He added: “I am privileged to be appointed as the next commissioner of An Garda Siochana.
“I have worked with An Garda Siochana for many years and I have had close working relationships with them.
“I have also had some very successful outcomes in terms of those operations.
“It is with great privilege that I now accept the role of commissioner.
“I am really very honoured that I have been selected for this important role and I recognise what an important role this is in society.
“It will be my privilege to lead and support An Garda Siochana as commissioner.
TRANSITION
“I know this is a time of change and transition but throughout my career the need to protect society and in particular the vulnerable [comes first] and this will be my focus – keeping the people on the island of Ireland safe and helping to secure the State.”
The Taoiseach said the nomination would be a positive influence in the right direction and dismissed concerns of Mr Harris’ previous work with MI5 as a national security risk.
Leo Varadkar added: “This appointment is an opportunity to get policing in the right direction. The primary interest is to protect communities.
“The Government took a decision a number of months ago that we wanted an open competition, an international competition.
“We wanted the best person for the job no matter where they came from and Drew Harris is the best person. We are really delighted.
“As part of the recruitment process we did engage in background checks, security clearance, all those things you would expect to be done in due diligence and we are absolutely confident the new Commissioner will be loyal to the police and loyal to the State.”
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan also welcomed the choice.
He said: “I am pleased the rigorous selection process by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Policing Authority has come to a successful conclusion with the appointment today by Government of Drew Harris as the next Garda Commissioner with the full functions of that role including safeguarding the security of the State.” Reports in recent days claimed either deputy commissioner of policing & security John Twomey or assistant commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Region Pat Leahy were the high-level Garda candidates.
Others included a high-profile PSNI deputy chief constable, deputy chief constable from Police Scotland Kathleen O’reilly, an assistant NYPD chief, and a senior official at the Justice Department.
Chairwoman of the Policing Authority Josephine Feehily said the decision process carried out by the Public Appointments Service, was “comprehensive and thorough, as befits the significance of the position”.
She added: “The authority – having reviewed the process and considered his experience, qualifications and expertise – was very satisfied to nominate Drew Harris for appointment by the Government.
“We look forward to getting to know him and to working with him in achieving our shared objective of ensuring a modern, professional Garda service which continues to enjoy the trust of the Irish people”.
GRA spokesman John O’keeffe said the group representing rank-and-file
I am really honoured & privileged to have been selected for this role DREW HARRIS DUBLIN YESTERDAY
gardai were happy it was a police officer who got the job.
He added: “The organisation of An Garda Siochana is a large ship that has been listless for some time now without a permanent captain.
“Government must now provide Mr Harris and his team with all the financial support to ensure these critical changes are made without delay.
“Then, and only then, will we truly have an organisation that enjoys as much public trust and support as does its frontline officers.”
Harris’ father Alwyn, who was an RUC superintendent, was murdered by the IRA in a bomb attack in 1989.
His mother survived the atrocity in which semtex was placed under the car the couple were travelling in.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail wants to amend bail laws to make it easier to tag criminals or refuse them bail altogether if they pose a serious risk of reoffending.
The party’s justice spokesman Jim O’callaghan said the changes he is proposing would help people feel “safer in their homes” after the recent hike in crimes such as burglaries and assaults.
He added 13% of all offences recorded in 2016 were committed by felons out on bail.
The new legislation would give the power to a court to refuse bail if the judge felt it was “reasonably necessary” to prevent a repeat offence.
It would also allow the court to place an electronic tag on a suspect instead of keeping them in custody.