Retiring Ombudsman - Farewell to a man of integrity

ALTHOUGH Kevin Murphy, Ombudsman and Information Commissioner, insists his decision to retire is unconnected with the row over the Coalition’s dismantling of the Freedom of Information Act, the two events will remain linked in the popular mind.

It was refreshing for those who have to confront the stonewall of a faceless civil service every day to hear that a public official had the integrity and courage to stand up and be counted on an issue of such profound importance.

Indeed, Justice Minister McDowell’s unwarranted attack on Mr Murphy for criticising the proposed changes to the FoI Act has underlined the importance of giving future Ombudsmen greater powers to protect the public interest. The stridency of Mr McDowell’s response exposed the hypocrisy of an administration more concerned with secrecy than with transparency about the decisions that affect the daily lives of every citizen.

The Ombudsman’s long-running row with the Revenue Commissioners over the repayment of overcharged tax marked another milestone in Mr Murphy’s unstinting work on behalf of ordinary people, who owe him an immense debt of gratitude.