I’ll keep the people of the island safe & help to secure the State

His dad was killed by IRA bomb in 1989 He vows to lead force in ‘era of change’

new Commissioner will be loyal to the police and loyal to the State.” Ireland’s 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.” PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said: “Drew Harris is a man of unfathomable strength, humility and grace and I have been privileged to have him serve as my deputy chief constable for almost four years.

“This appointment can only serve to build on what is already a close working relationship between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana.

“The mutual desire of both organisations to keep people safe will support us in overcoming the many challenges we face, including Brexit.”

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland also welcomed the historic appointment. Chairman Mark Lindsay said: “Brexit is already on the policing agenda in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and the perspective he will bring to the dialogue will be invaluable.”

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