Salary will be a stumbling block in recruiting new commissioner

When the position of Garda commissioner was advertised in 2014, an inspirational leader with the utmost integrity was sought.

The successful candidate would have sound judgement, the ability to build trust and have a proven track record as a senior manager in a large and complex organisation.

A person with knowledge of An Garda Síochána and the wide range of responsibilities it has under its remit would be successful for the position, which carried a salary of €180,613.

The interview panel was surprised by the calibre of candidates that applied. Few people from outside the force applied and even fewer were from outside Ireland. There were questions as to why the "international and open" recruitment process did not yield more robust applicants.

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However, the salary for the position was insufficient for some. Crucially, it was the requirement to have an in-depth knowledge of An Garda Síochána that ensured Nóirín O’Sullivan was one of few eligible.

Within hours of her appointment being confirmed, politicians began to question her suitability for the position. Having served as deputy commissioner to Martin Callinan, she was presumed to be linked with the mistakes of the past and toxic to many.

O’Sullivan endured relentless criticism throughout the three years she served as commissioner. While some of it was warranted, a significant portion was not.

Matter of timing

Despite O'Sullivan's best efforts, many in Leinster House and Government Buildings had already decided her fate and knew it was simply a matter of timing.

She took everyone by surprise with her decision to stand aside from the role on Sunday evening.

Now the Government is left in a bind. O’Sullivan’s departure resolves significant political problems. But it raises a series of policy difficulties too.

The role of commissioner is now one of the most-scrutinised positions in the country. It also has become one of the most politically toxic.

Some politicians believe it is time to seek an outsider for the role.

It carries the weight of an expectant public, the scrutiny of the Oireachtas and a shattered force awaiting the successful candidate, meaning it is hardly the most attractive position.

The Policing Authority will run the selection process independently of Government. It will set out the criteria, interview the candidates and choose the next commissioner. The Government can reject the authority's nomination but only in extreme circumstances.

Compares unfavourably

The issue of pay will be a significant stumbling block, as the commissioner's salary compares unfavourably with those in other jurisdictions. The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has a salary of €219, 521, a housing allowance of €19,815, a car allowance of €9,791, a healthcare allowance of €660 and a broadband allowance of €396.

The commissioner of the Met Police earns €292,071, the head of the police force in Scotland is paid €236,123 and the chief constable for the Greater Manchester Police has a salary of €212,550 and is eligible for additional benefits worth €15,418 every year.

The Government will need to assess if it is willing to lift the salary scale to attract the calibre of candidate the force needs.

Many believe an international candidate is required. However, there is no precedent for a person outside of Ireland having control of our national security. It also reinforces the question as to whether one agency should have responsibility for policing and security.

These are questions being examined by the Commission for Policing, chaired by Kathleen O’Toole. They may feature prominently in the application process.

Ultimately, the Policing Authority may have a difficult job finding someone who is either suitable for the role or willing to accept the challenge.