New garda chief faces daunting task

IN the long history of the gardaí, the commissioner at the head of the force has invariably influenced the critical role it plays in the fight against crime.

When commissioner-designate Noel Conroy takes over from outgoing Commissioner Pat Byrne next week, he will be a largely unknown factor as far as the public are concerned.

A retiring figure who shuns the limelight, he is, nonetheless, regarded by his colleagues as an excellent investigator of crime at all levels. Having served as deputy commissioner since 1996, he has a wide knowledge of every aspect of garda operations.