The position of Garda Deputy Commissioner is expected to be advertised as early as next week. That followed the promotion of Justin Kelly to Garda Commissioner. Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary, head of Security, Strategy and Governance, is seen as a favourite for the position. Other internal candidates that might apply include Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson, head of North West Region and acting head of Dublin Region, and Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Roberts, head of Governance and Accountability. Commissioner Kelly and the chair of the Garda Board, Donal de Buitleir, are expected to be on the PAS interview panel.

Source: Irish Examiner January 10, 2026 01:10 UTC