Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise and Employment, announced his intention to run for another term with Fine Gael in the forthcoming general elections. He confirmed plans to hold discussions with Simon Harris, the new party leader, about the impending Cabinet reshuffle. Coveney affirmed this decision-making rests with Harris as the designated incoming taoiseach, granting him the freedom to shape the new Cabinet.
Coveney publicly acknowledged Harris’ favourable rapport with existing Cabinet members, and those interested in obtaining ministerial positions. He declined to make any public speculations or lobbying attempts.
Speculations roused around Coveney’s political future when a few Fine Gael politicians indicated not to contest in the coming Dáil elections. However, his candidacy was confirmed on Sunday. Participating in the party’s selection convention held in Athlone for the Midlands-North West constituency for the European Parliament, Coveney was among numerous Fine Gael ministers.
When confronted about possibly stepping down from the Cabinet to allow for fresh blood after his 11-year tenure, Coveney said he would address that with Simon Harris later in the week. He commended Harris’s commitment towards utilising the party’s talent base to its full capacity. Coveney acknowledged that Harris will make the final decision, which he and other colleagues would honour. He reiterated the urgent need to refocus on national governance, emphasising the challenges Harris faces as the imminent Taoiseach spearheading a coalition government with two other parties.
Mr Coveney expressed his belief that being a taoiseach entails feelings of solitude due to the weight of the decisions one must make. Among these decisions is the selection of Fine Gael’s Cabinet team, an aspect that only makes up part of the Cabinet. This process, he mentioned, understandably leads to disappointment for some and offers a chance for others. According to Mr Coveney, the taoiseach now has a few weeks to ponder on his choices, a procedure Mr Coveney respects.
Mr Coveney pointed out that politics can sometimes undergo rapid transformations, a characteristic of the field he believes will ultimately benefit Fine Gael. In his eyes, this moment is ripe with opportunities for rejuvenation and for rising talents to mark their territory in the party.
The Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, reinforced during a press briefing, that the privilege of appointing Cabinet members or instigating any alterations falls to any serving Taoiseach. While she acknowledged she still has much to accomplish within Justice, the decision, she said, remains squarely in the Taoiseach’s hands.
Concurring opinion was expressed by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe, who fully agreed with his colleagues’ viewpoints. Similarly, Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, established that the exercise of appointing ministers rests with the Taoiseach, who will proceed in due time.