First Female Deputy Garda Commisioner Appointed

Another glass ceiling has been broken, after the appointment of Noirin O'Sullivan to the second most powerful post in the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana.

Ms O'Sullivan is the first woman promoted to Deputy Garda Commioner, and places her as favorite to take over running the entire Gardai some day.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said Ms O'Sullivan had served with distinction in a variety of posts and deserved her elevation.

"I know that she will bring formidable qualities of ability, experience and commitment to her new role of deputy Garda commissioner, and that she will be a major addition to top Garda management," he said.

Noirin O'Sullivan, who is from Dublin, joined the force in 1981, and became a detective in the drugs squad during the mid-80s.

She played a key role in tackling street drug dealing gangs.

She was promoted to superintendent in 2000, and spent some time as a training specialist at the Garda Training College in Templemore.

She became chief superintendent as head of the Garda Technical Bureau in 2003 and in 2007 was only the second woman to become an assistant commissioner.

She was head of the Western division, until in June 2009 taking charge of crime and security.

In her new post Deputy Commissioner O'Sulllivan will be responsible for all operational policing and national security in Ireland.

There is only one other officer at the same rank in the force.

She takes over her new post from Martin Callinan, who was appointed Garda Commissioner last year.

Her career path is similar to others who went on to become Commisioner.