Michael Connolly, 50, from Aghyaran in Co Tyrone, said he had ‘one shot’ at becoming a garda.

Drew Harris said he never liked the term ‘outsider’ and was welcomed ‘immediately’ to An Garda Síochána.

Claire Keatinge is going to take up the role later this week after a four year vacancy in the role.

The European Commission president has nominated former Fianna Fail finance minister Michael McGrath as the next Commissioner for Justice.

The Tanaiste said there is a clear understanding and agreement it will be a Fianna Fail nominee and the Taoiseach said there is no written agreement.