‘Inspirational’ Garda leader sought

The Government wants an "inspirational leader" and a person of "utmost integrity" as Garda commissioner.

The position is being advertised openly for the first time and applicants are sought from the private sector and abroad.

But the job advertisement does state that “extensive and successful experience” of leadership within a police force is “desirable”.

And in a clear, formal statement regarding the parameters of the independent policing authority — due to be established by the end of the year — the advert said that while the commissioner would report to it on criminal matters, he or she would report to the minister for justice and the Government on national security.

The interview process is being conducted by the Public Appointments Service which last Friday, as reported in the Irish Examiner, advertised the position of secretary general of the Department of Justice.

The position of Garda commissioner became vacant following the shock resignation of Martin Callinan last March, the morning after he was confronted with a late night visit by secretary general at the Department of Justice, Brian Purcell.

He was dispatched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to express his grave concerns regarding the taping of phone conversations at Garda stations. Mr Purcell stepped aside from the department after a damning external review of its operation, published last July.

The advertisement for the police boss said the recruitment was part of a wider programme of reform and renewal in the force, particularly to improve the “police governance and oversight arrangements”.

It states: “The commissioner will be an inspirational leader, she/he will be a person of utmost integrity with the experience and stature to quickly gain the respect and confidence within the organisation through their personal impact, leadership, and communication skills.”

It said the successful candidate will have a proven record as a strategic leader and senior manager in a complex organisation, either in the public or private sector.

The person should have knowledge of, “or the capability to quickly acquire,” a good understanding of the responsibilities of the force. It said this includes the “legislative environment” in which the gardaí operate.

It said desirable requirements include “extensive and successful experience of leading within a police service, including the operational command of senior police officers”.

This could favour internal senior candidates and similar from police bodies abroad. Leading the pack within the gardaí is interim commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan, who was second in command under Mr Callinan.

The advert said an “executive search process” is being carried out in addition to the application system.