Nominee to chair Garda watchdog still undecided

THE Government’s choice to chair the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is still considering whether to accept the job after a week of controversy about his nomination.

Last Wednesday, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern announced he had chosen Dermot Gallagher as the new chairman following the death of the previous chairman, Judge Kevin Haugh.

Mr Gallagher had retired as secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs in January following a long and distinguished career.