Attorney General Paul Gallagher to retire

Paul Gallagher SC

Mr Gallagher, 67, who has held the position for two years, did not specify an exact date but it is thought he will retire around the time of the Government changeover on December 17.

An experienced constitutional and commercial lawyer, Mr Gallagher took up the post of attorney general in June 2020, for the second time. He had been attorney general from 2007-11, during which time he advised on the bank guarantee scheme as well as the establishment of the National Assets Management Agency.

Due to the agreement between the Coalition parties, Fine Gael will have the final say on who the new attorney general will be. The agreement stipulates that the Taoiseach nominates the position for each period of government.

Among those mentioned as a possible successor are senior counsel Rossa Fanning, Patrick Leonard and Patrick McCann, who is a trustee of Fine Gael. Solicitor and senior counsel Áine Hynes has also been mentioned in speculation.