Garda Commissioner Drew Harris looks set to leave the force next year – despite being offered a contract extension by the Government.

Commissioner Harris was initially appointed to the role on a five-year term in 2018.

That contract was later extended for two more years.

His current contract runs for ten more months and it now appears he will not be extending it – despite being approached with an offer by the Government.

Speaking last August as he was facing into a no confidence motion, Commissioner Harris said he was determined to finish out his career with the Gardaí.

“This in effect is the pinnacle of my career; this is the greatest privilege in terms of my career and the work that I have done in policing,” he said.

“I have 40 years of policing this year and so what I wish to do is finish off my career in policing within An Garda Síochána as Commissioner.”

A huge majority of rank-and-file Gardaí voted no confidence the commissioner when the vote was held in September; however, he insisted he was remaining on in his role with the backing of the Government.

Daily Mail Political Editor Craig Hughes told Newstalk that he will be remembered as one of the least popular Garda Commissioners in the State – although that may be because of his work in reforming the force.

“That didn’t make him popular but it also could have been for the greater good,” he said. “So there is a bit of that going on as well, let’s be honest about this.”

The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment.