European champion - Emily O'Reilly profiled

Emily O'Reilly, Europe's new European Ombudsman, is profiled by Samantha McCaughren and Pat Leahy.

'One seasoned political adviser said O'Reilly was ruthless and as 'tough as nails', but could be trusted.' Illustration: Peter Hanan

Emily O'Reilly

**Age:** 55

**Appearance:** blonde, well-groomed, determined

**Newsworthiness:** has been voted by the European Parliament to the position of European Ombudsman. (This profile first appeared in the Sunday Business Post on 26th May after she had thrown her hat in the ring for the vacant position.)

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When Charlie McCreevy first told Bertie Ahern that he intended to appoint Emily O'Reilly as ombudsman, Ahern's immediate reaction was: "Ah Jaysus, Charlie . . ...