A former Fine Gael minister of state, Mr George Birmingham, was last night appointed to examine the type of inquiry that should look into cases of sex abuse by priests in the diocese of Ferns.
A life-long Fine Gael activist, Mr Birmingham is seen as a surprising choice. He was appointed by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin.
Elected to the Dáil in 1981, he served as minister for state at the departments of Labour, Education and Foreign Affairs. As minister of state at the department of foreign affairs, he was responsible for European affairs and development co-operation.
Before his election to the Dublin North Central constituency, he was a member of Dublin City Council's planning and cultural committees. He was also a member of An Taisce, the Irish Association of Civil Liberties, and of Raheny Community council. After losing his seat in the 1989 general election, Mr Birmingham resumed his legal practice and was appointed a senior counsel in 1999.
He has since had a successful career as a prosecuting barrister. He has represented the State in numerous cases, including ones involving child abuse. Last year he represented the Minister for Justice in a case against three asylum-seekers who petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn their deportation orders.
Colleagues describe him as dedicated and hard-working with a keen legal mind. He remains close to the Fine Gael leadership and is described as having "impeccable" party credentials. Born in Dublin in 1954, Mr Birmingham was educated at St Paul's College, Raheny, Trinity College Dublin, and Kings Inns. He lives in Sutton, Co Dublin.