Woman leads the charge as successor

The question of who will succeed Martin Callinan as Garda commissioner almost invariably prompts the answer that there’s only one man — or in this case, woman — for the job.

Deputy commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan, who has taken over the role in an acting capacity, has been second in charge of the force since May of last year when the only other deputy commissioner, Nacie Rice, retired, leaving a position that has yet to be filled.

Her appointment as deputy commissioner meant she had already gone further than any other female member of the force. Previously, there was just one woman assistant commissioner, Catherine Clancy, who opted for early retirement in 2008.