Murphy to step down as Garda boss

SPECULATION is mounting as to who will replace Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy after the Cork man announced he was stepping down as Garda boss.

There had been suggestions the 63-year-old might receive a third extension from the Government.

He had been originally due to retire in June 2007, on reaching the official retirement age of 60. His term was extended by the Government for two years to allow him take over from then commissioner Noel Conroy in November 2007.