Greetings,
Tuesday appears to be the chosen day for political resignations at Leinster House, as recently demonstrated by Leo Varadkar, Eamon Ryan, and Michael McGrath amongst others. But surprisingly, Simon Coveney broke the norm by announcing his decision not to run again on a Wednesday, an announcement that was unsurprising to many as the veteran Irish politician has been a major force in the political landscape for over a decade.
His decision signifies an imminent shift in power, especially within Fine Gael and amongst politicians who have been cabinet members since 2011. The only minister to hold office prior to 2011 is Micheál Martin. With the anticipated departures of Brendan Howlin and Richard Bruton, Varadkar, who was appointed Transport Minister by Enda Kenny in March 2011, would be the only one left from that group. The last decade in Ireland’s politics has been a period of unprecedented events, from the Troika and the equal marriage and repeal referendums to the Covid pandemic.
Publicly, Varadkar has categorically stated that he has yet to decide if he will run in the upcoming general election. However, his associates at Leinster House privately believe that the former Taoiseach is likely nearing the end of his political journey. The retirement decisions of Varadkar and a small group of his peers don’t significantly alter Simon Harris’s political challenge; he was already defending a dozen seats lacking the advantage of incumbency. This number could rise, based on whether Damien English, Varadkar, Joe Carey, Michael Ring and Bernard Durkan (who assertively claimed on Wednesday that he would still run “unless I die in the meantime”) decide to run.
Four Fine Gael politicians are vying for a spot on the ticket in an attempt to keep the Dáil seat vacated by Coveney.
Meanwhile, a Clare TD has been unsuccessful in securing planning permission for his residence after it was revealed that he owns another property in the same vicinity.
The future of Fine Gael appears more optimistic with Harris in the leadership role – a strong position in the polls and a floundering opposition can indeed lessen a challenge’s weight. Harris asserts that he is untroubled, claiming the party is experiencing a real-time rejuvenation. He also gives assurance that the Cork South Central nomination will witness a vigorous competition, following Coveney’s stepping down. As per what Cormac McQuinn has disclosed, the latter is undeniably an anticipated event.
Despite this, one mustn’t ignore the looming challenge, which is predicted to further intensify before its ultimate scale becomes apparent by the end of September – the deadline for finalising Fine Gael nominees.
Optionally, you can indulge in the following suggested reads:
– Pat Leahy’s character piece on Coveney
– Arthur Beesley shares exclusive information on problems at the Peter McVerry trust
– Newton Emerson discusses the contrast between Simon Harris and Leo Varadkar, and how it could potentially affect UK-Irish relations
– Finn McRedmond cautions against holding Jill Biden accountable for her spouse’s actions
– Miriam Lord covers the transient ceasefire in Dáil, unified in outrage over the disturbing case of Tori Towey that came to light on Wednesday
– The recent episode of the Inside Politics podcast scrutinises politics in the north inner city of Dublin
In terms of event schedules, Heather Humphreys will introduce the Department of Social Protection’s pre-budget forum at Dublin Castle at 10am. Concurrently, Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe will be present at the Aviva Stadium with Kieran O’Donnell and European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni. To celebrate the second anniversary of the First Home Scheme, Darragh O’Brien will visit Donabate.
Additionally, Dublin-related Fianna Fáil Senators and TDs are unveiling a survey concerning anti-social behaviour in Dublin city centre. This group has been previously critical of Helen McEntee, which might trigger some drama.
The Dáil’s last session begins at 9am with Peter Burke answering verbal queries, followed by Norma Foley at 10:30am. A minute’s silence will be observed at noon honouring the victims of the Srebrenica massacre. Subsequently, Leaders’ Questions and Questions on Policies or Legislations will precede lunchtime. The afternoon will be spent rushing through pre-summer break legislation, ending at 7:31pm with speeches given by TDs, who have recently been elected as MEPs.
Pay attention to the following key matters, with the Irish parliament breaking off for summer holidays just before 10 o’clock at night. You will find the complete timetable here.
The Seanad is set to handle initial matters at 9.30 am, followed by the main issues of the day at 10.30 am. Proposed legislation on student housing is expected to pass all stages by late morning. Meanwhile, the Seanad is due to discuss a proposal in the afternoon that necessitates online adult content to come with an age verification system. The complete schedule for the Seanad can be found here.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will have a meeting with representatives from the Department of Agriculture at 9.30 am, and concurrently, the parliamentary committee on drug use will hold a meeting. A session focusing on Traveller accommodation policy will take place, featuring Alan Dillon and other officials discussing the needs of the Traveller community.
Around noon, the committee on tourism and arts plans to present a report on the development of tribal and community arts. The Department of Housing officials will join the housing committee at 1.30pm to discuss the draft national planning scheme. Find the committee’s full diary here.
Watch out for important happenings: Tori Towey might come back to Dublin, and Cathal Crotty’s expulsion from the Defence Forces is impending.