New Garda Commissioner to succeed Drew Harris to be announced next week
Sources have confirmed to the Irish Mirror that Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will tell Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday who has won the race to succeed current Commissioner Drew Harris, who has held the post since late 2018.
Although the competition was run by the Public Appointments Service, the minister and government have the final say on who will be the officer to lead the 14,100-strong force for the next five years.
Sources tell us that three candidates made it through to the final interview stage - which has been held this week. Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly has applied for the position and insiders believe he is likely to be chosen to lead the force for the next five years. (Image: Brian Lawless/PA)
The force's two deputy commissioners - Justin Kelly and Canadian national Shawna Coxon - are both understood to have applied for the €314,000-a-year post and got through to the last round.
It's also understood one candidate from outside the Republic of Ireland was also shortlisted. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will brief the cabinet on Tuesday and it will rubber stamp the decision.
Although the successful candidate has not been notified yet, sources say Deputy Commissioner Kelly is widely regarded as the favourite.
He is currently in charge of State Security, Strategy and Governance.
He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2024 and is a career garda.
He was previously Assistant Commissioner in charge of combating organised crime and played a key role in the crackdown on the Kinahan cartel at home and abroad. Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon has also gone for the job. (Image: Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Commissioner Coxon is in charge of Garda operations.
She joined An Garda Siochana in 2021, having previously spent 25 years as a police officer in Toronto, Canada.
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