Emily O'Reilly to be appointed Ombudsman

POLITICAL journalist Emily O'Reilly will be the new Ombudsman.

This follows the decision by Kevin Murphy to retire from the 172,000-a-year post after nine years.

Mr Murphy, who was also the chief decision-maker for Freedom of Information requests, said his decision was not connected to the Government's recent amendments to the FOI legislation. He recently clashed with Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who accused him of exceeding his remit by commenting on the effects of the planned legislative changes.

However, Mr Murphy said he had decided to step down from both posts last year after reaching 65 years of age, but that a number of issues had delayed the move.

Political parties yesterday paid tribute to Mr Murphy.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte described as "shabby" the manner in which the government ignored him while undermining the Freedom of Information Act.

Sinn Féin's Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said Mr Murphy deserved praise for pointing out serious flaws in the Government's proposed changes to the Act.

Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy thanked Mr Murphy for his long and distinguished career as a public servant over almost 50 years, and referred to the vigour, humanity and impartiality that he had brought to the position of Ombudsman.

He said significant changes in the public administration system had taken place in recent years on foot of the reports Mr Murphy made.

Ms O'Reilly, who will take up the post in June , is a political columnist with the Sunday Times and is also a well-known broadcaster.

The salary for the post is the same as that of a High Court judge, accompanied by a full pension after 12 years.

The post was previously held by Michael Mills, also a former political correspondent, from 1984 until 1994.