Irish government announces new Garda commissioner
Justin Kelly will be in term for five years as Garda commissioner
- Published
The Irish government has appointed a new Garda commissioner who will be in term for five years.
Justin Kelly was appointed by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan and will replace former Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris.
A three-week online recruitment campaign was held in May, including an international search for suitable candidates, which resulted in a 14-person shortlist.
Mr Kelly was appointed to his current role as deputy commissioner security, strategy and governance in October 2024.
He will take up the role on 1 September, with Commissioner Harris continuing to lead An Garda Síochána (Irish police) until that date.
The selection process included two interviews and a presentation by candidates as well as a detailed psychometric assessment.
Harris retires after decades of service
Drew Harris (far right) will retire in September and welcomed Justin Kelly into his new role, alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin (centre)
Mr Harris will retire after 41 years of service to policing on the island of Ireland, including seven years as Garda commissioner.
He congratulated Mr Kelly on his appointment.
"Justin is an internationally-recognised police leader who has built coalitions with other law enforcement agencies and partners that have disrupted and dismantled trans-national organised crime gangs," he said.
Minister O'Callaghan said: "The role of Garda commissioner is one of the most challenging and impactful leadership positions in Ireland's public service and the appointment process was suitably rigorous."
O'Callaghan said he was satisfied that Kelly was both qualified and "particularly well suited" to the role.
Mr Harris was a police officer for 35 years in Northern Ireland before becoming Garda commissioner.
He started his career in 1983 in the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) - the PSNI replaced the RUC in 2001.
A vote of no confidence was passed in 2023 relating to Mr Harris's leadership but he refused to resign.
Taoiseach pays tribute
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said Mr Kelly was "highly qualified" and has extensive experience in policing, "including national security, organised crime, and domestic and sexual violence".
"I wish him the very best in his term, which will begin on 1 September," he said.
"I also want to pay tribute to outgoing Commissioner Drew Harris for his leadership of An Garda Síochána over the past seven years.
"Commissioner Harris has led An Garda Síochána with great distinction through a period of significant reform in the organisation. I wish him the best of luck for the future."
Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris also welcomed the appointment.
He said: "This is a proud day for the new commissioner and his family and I want to wish him every success in his new position, leading the men and women of An Garda Síochána who carry out such an important role in our society every single day right across the country."
The tánaiste said he looked forward to working closely with the commissioner and "building stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána".