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.