Deputy PSNI chief appointed Garda Commissioner

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan announced the appointment for a five-year term this morning.

Acting Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin will continue to lead An Garda Síochána until Mr Harris takes over the role in September.

Mr Flanagan said it would be a “critical time”, coinciding with the end of the work of the Commission on the Future of Policing.

The minister added: “I am confident that Drew Harris has the necessary ability and vital policing, security and change management experience required. He will bring these talents to his leadership of An Garda Síochána - one of our most important institutions of state - along with a commitment to serving the public in the best tradition of the Gardaí.

“I very much look forward to working with Drew on our shared objective of ensuring the security of the State and the safety of the public. Drew can be assured of my support and that of the Government as he faces the challenge of transforming An Garda Síochána so that it becomes a model of policing excellence, equipped to deal with the huge range of challenges facing police services worldwide.”

PSNI chief constable George Hamilton said: “I am delighted that Drew Harris will be the next Garda Commissioner. While there is no doubt that the Police Service of Northern Ireland will be a poorer place without his contribution; he will remain a colleague when he takes over the leadership of An Garda Síochána.

“This appointment can only serve to build on what is already a close working relationship between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. The mutual desire of both organisations to keep people safe will support us in overcoming the many challenges we jointly face, including Brexit.

“In his 34 years as a police officer in both the RUCGC and the PSNI, Drew Harris has been driven by a commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our community. I have no doubt that this will continue to be his ambition as Garda Commissioner. He 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.

“I wish him every success and look forward to working with him as Commissioner.”