Pressure is on for new Garda chief

THE appointment of Drew Harris as the new Garda Commissioner is a radical change for a force often in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

It will be welcomed in many quarters – but not so much by traditional elements who now have to deal with the first “outsider” in the role.

The former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable’s new position is the start of a new era. As the old adage goes, “A new broom sweeps clean”.

After so many scandals damaging the reputation of and public trust in An Garda Siochana, it is a fresh break from the tired old formula of appointing from within.

The Mcbrearty scandal in Donegal, the horrendous treatment of Maurice Mccabe and the breath test and penalty points fiascos have severely dented the faith we have in our police service.

The levels of corruption and malpractice were so deep-rooted in some of those sorry sagas the obvious way to implement a new approach is to bring in a new type of leadership.

There will undoubtedly be some gardai who won’t welcome Mr Harris with open arms.

Well, tough, because it is absolutely necessary to bring in fresh blood with no hidden agenda, no history and who will be able to bring fresh eyes and a new approach to policing.

He will be aware of the controversies that have blighted the good work of dedicated gardai across the country. And no doubt he will have ideas about how to ensure the coming years are more positive.

We wish Mr Harris the best of luck in his new role – and we suspect he will need it.