The front-funners for the job...
Peter Fitzgerald Deputy Commissioner
Has substantial experience working overseas with the UN's civilian police in countries such as Namibia, Cambodia and El Salvador.
Appointed commissioner of International Police Task Force by the UN Secretary-General in 1996, he served as commissioner in Bosnia up to February 1997.
A native of Tramore, Co Waterford, he joined the Garda Síochána in 1964. He has spent most of his service in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
Noel Conroy Deputy Commissioner
Spent most of his career in the detective branch and is the current chairman of the European region of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He has trained with the FBI Academy and as Deputy Commissioner has responsibility for all operational resources related to areas such as crime investigation and drugs enforcement.
A native of Blacksod, Co Mayo, he has spent most of his career in the detective branch since joining the force in 1963.
Fachtna Murphy Assistant Commissioner
As head of the Criminal Assets Bureau, he has sucessfully spearheaded the seizure of illegally obtained property vehicles and cash since the body was established in 1996.
A native of Drimoleague, Co Cork, Mr Murphy, who is in his mid-50s, joined the Garda Síochána in 1967. He served in Crumlin, Harcourt Square, Pearse Street, Ballyfermot and Dun Laoghaire.
Tony Hickey Assistant Commissioner
Mr Hickey was in charge of the investigation into the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin. This resulted in the conviction of two men for her murder and a number of other persons convicted of offences connected to the crime.
A native of Laharn, Killarney, Co Kerry, the Assistant Commissioner has overall responsibility for a number of key areas including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.