Journalist is new Ombudsman

Journalist is new Ombudsman

THE controversy over freedom of information took a dramatic twist yesterday when the Cabinet decided to appoint high-profile journalist Emily O'Reilly to succeed Kevin Murphy as Ombudsman and Information Commissioner.

The surprise development caught opposition parties by surprise.

And it came on the day the Government began pushing through new legislation to significantly row back on existing provisions in the Freedom of Information Act - a move that prompted the entire Opposition to walk out of the Dail chamber in protest.

Ms O'Reilly will be paid an annual salary of €172,000, the same as a High Court judge, with a pension scheme based on full benefits after 12 years' service.

The appointment is for a six-year term, with the possibility of a second term.

Ms O'Reilly will now have responsibility for implementing the new information regime, of which she herself had been critical. It has also been heavily attacked by opposition parties and a host of outside groups, including journalists' union, the NUJ.

Mr Murphy, who clashed with the Government over its plans to radically curtail the scope of the original provisions, announced he was retiring with effect from June 1.

While Mr Murphy made it clear yesterday his decision to step down was "in no way connected" with recent controversies, opposition parties seized on the announcement as evidence the Government had hastened his departure.

The outgoing Ombudsman confirmed he had first indicated his intention to retire last year and originally planned to leave last October.

However, plans for the Nice Referendum and a separate tax arrears probe prompted him to remain in office longer than he planned.

Ms O'Reilly becomes the third Ombudsman and the second political journalist to hold the prestigious post, first occupied by Michael Mills in 1984.

A native of Tullamore, Ms O'Reilly (45) is a well-known writer and broadcaster.

She has worked in the national media for most of her career.

Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy paid tribute to Mr Murphy for his "long and distinguished career". Mr Murphy has been Ombudsman since 1994 and became the first Freedom of Information Officer five years ago.Sinn Fein leader in the Dail Caoimhghin O Caolain said it was ironic Mr Murphy had announced his retirement on the day the Freedom of Information Bill was coming before the Dail.

He said Mr Murphy had been treated "objectionably" in the Dail recently by Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who had claimed Mr Murphy had overstepped his remit by straying into questions of political policy.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said he accepted the reasons given by Mr Murphy in his retirement statement. "But I believe the shabby manner in which the Government decided to ignore this fine public servant while preparing to undermine the Freedom of Information Act 1997 cannot have provided any incentive or encouragement for Mr Murphy to remain on in office," he said.


Brian Dowling
and Gene McKenna