Three applicants for top Garda position engaged in pension bill row with Government

Whoever is successful will be in a pole position for the Garda Commissioner job, which Drew Harris (pictured) is due to vacate in the next seven months. File photo

Three of the six assistant commissioners engaged in a pension bill row with the Government are understood to have applied for the deputy commissioner position.

The deadline for the Garda Deputy Commissioner vacancy was extended for a week to Thursday after letters were sent by the six assistant commissioners to the Minister of Justice, the Policing Authority and the Garda Commissioner calling for a deferral in the competition and clarity on the pension issue.