My focus is on keeping people of Ireland safe, says next Garda commissioner Drew Harris

The PSNI police chief appointed as the next Garda commissioner said his focus would be on protecting the vulnerable and keeping people “on the island of Ireland” safe.

In a landmark appointment, Drew Harris is the first police officer from outside the State to become the head of An Garda Síochána — which is both the national police force and the national security service.

Currently, as deputy chief constable, Mr Harris has overall responsibility for intelligence gathering and operations in the PSNI.