Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the last Senator in particular for his contribution in setting out the career and achievements of Dermot Gallagher, which are not so well known outside this House. It is timely and appropriate that they be put on the record as they relate to the undoubted foreign policy triumphs in the wider world, on our island and in our relationships with Britain. It is fair to say that when Dermot Gallagher was in command of the Department, it always punched above its weight. By extension, Ireland, in foreign policy and other terms, punched above its weight because of his strong leadership.

It is also fair to say, given the praises being heaped upon him both here and across the different political divides in this House, that he always acted in a non-partisan manner and was a prisoner to any political philosophy or ideology in the conduct of his duties. He would serve equally any Minister, no matter what their political colour or inclination. That is a great source of strength in our public service at this time and always.

As the last speaker pointed out, it is also noteworthy that Mr. Gallagher is more vocal and waxes lyrical about the trials and tribulations of Leitrim footballers than being overly animated by the latest setback or progress item on the foreign policy agenda. Anybody who had the patience and perseverance to support, week in and week out, month in and month out the fortunes of the Leitrim football team in particular deserves any appointment or break he or she might get in this life. I note Mr. Gallagher has been appointed chairman of UCD's governing body, which is again a singular tribute to the man and the work he has done for Ireland.

Senator Regan raised the issue, not so much about the personality of the new incumbent chairperson of the ombudsman position but the process itself and the idea that it is another inside job. I disabuse him of that, not just by dwelling on the personality and character of Dermot Gallagher, who is an insider in the sense that he worked on the inside, and without courting personal publicity he has worked diligently for Ireland. It is not an inside job but an open and transparent appointment made by the Cabinet in direct consultation with the Oireachtas and rubber-stamped by and gaining the imprimatur of President Mary McAleese.

Ultimately, if we do nothing else in this Parliament and country, it will restore the credibility of the three major parties that serve this country well — Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour — and the people they have appointed over the years. It is fair for a Government of the day to pick a person in this manner and appoint him or her. Many considerations must go into an appointment as sensitive and as difficult as this, particularly given the policing record that Ireland has experienced North and South of the Border.

My grandfather joined the force in its foundation years and it was not easy to do. That police force was vigorously contested by none less than my own political antecedents and those of a republican tendency generally. However, that force established its credibility over many years.

Some Senators' contributions dwelt on a comparison between our police force and the police force of Northern Ireland and the appropriate transparency measures introduced on foot of the Good Friday Agreement related to that police force. We must be clear about this. Policing in Northern Ireland was a hugely more contested concept in terms of the legitimacy of the policing arrangements there over the years than was our Garda force. It is horses for courses in that different measures need to apply.

This is not an inside job in that sense. We have selected somebody of great public distinction who has made a great contribution. The Government must retain the strength and maturity to appoint people. One Senator referred to issues of cronyism and the cloud that might hang over our appointments system. There certainly have been examples over the years of people appointing people to particular jobs for partisan or other reasons. We need to keep that in check. I agree with the Members who made that point. The only way to keep that in check is by having a robust Opposition, a robust scrutiny process——