Boston Chief of Police in running for Garda post
There is mounting speculation that the Chief of Police in Boston will become the first head of the Garda Watchdog.
The Government is in discussion with Commissioner Kathy O'Toole about leading the Garda Inspectorate.
The independent body was written into legislation in the 2005 Garda Siochana Act and will have powers similar to the Police Ombudsman in the North.
The Inspectorate was designed to replace the Garda Siochana Complaints Board.
Justice Minister Michael McDowell has already met the Irish-American while visiting Boston last year.
Both the Department of Justice and O'Toole have confirmed this preliminary approach.
The Minister is expected to announce the new Chief Inspector, who will police members of the Gardaí, in the next few weeks.
