New man deserves a fair wind

THE new Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is the right man for the job and hopefully he will get the support he needs.

He is the first outsider to lead the force but he deserves every opportunity to tackle the major challenges facing it.

The 53-year-old former PSNI deputy chief constable has a wealth of experience.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan was right to dismiss claims that his having signed the UK’S Official Secrets Act could lead to a conflict of interests.

An Garda Siochana needs to be modernised and there needs to be far greater transparency so that public trust and support in the organisation is restored.

Garda Representative Association spokesman John O’keefe said his officers want their new uniform being rolled out as soon as possible and is right to call for improvements in safety features and comfort.

It is also vitally important that his calls for body cameras and tasers and occupational supports for gardai are heeded.

For far too long there has been an underinvestment in An Garda Siochana and it’s time that members of the force had the adequate resources to do their jobs.

Mr Harris will be paid €250,000 but with so many controversies and the state of morale at the moment it is likely he will earn every penny of that sum.