THE GOVERNMENT has today decided to appoint current Deputy Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to the role of Garda Commissioner at the end of this month.

Callinan will succeed outgoing commissioner Fachtna Murphy, who retires after 40 years’ service to the force at the end of the month.

Callinan, who holds a degree in police management, joined the force in 1973 and has served in Waterford, Swinford, at various stations in Dublin City and at the security section of Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park.

He was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 2005 and Deputy Commissioner in 2007. He has also held a number of other key positions in the force.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said Callinan had “a distinguished record of service in the Garda Síochána, with a wide range of experience in key positions in the Force, and has all the qualities needed to lead the Garda Síochána”.

He also paid tribute to Murphy, who he said had “led the Garda Síochána through a period of significant organisational and operational change”. He thanked Murphy for his tenure on behalf of the government.

The new commissioner will assume office on December 28 when the incumbent Murphy officially retires.