Acting Garda chief rules himself out of race to be commissioner

The Garda’s most senior officer has said he does not intended to apply for the post of commissioner vacated by Nóirín O’Sullivan.

Acting Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin has issued a statement in response to numerous media queries about his plans.

Mr Ó Cualáin was deputy commissioner until Sunday, when Ms O'Sullivan announced her retirement. He was immediately appointed acting commissioner and will stay in that role until the post is filled, in an open competition run by the Policing Authority.

"I am honoured to have been appointed acting commissioner," he said this afternoon in a brief statement. "My focus as acting commissioner is to ensure that An Garda Síochána continues to protect and support communities, while progressing the significant changes to the organisation under the modernisation and renewal programme."