Around 2,000 members of the Fine Gael party are predicted to attend the first ardfheis under the new party leader, Simon Harris. It is happening at the University of Galway and there are expected to be discussions on nearly 200 motions. These could include topics such as introducing a 30 per cent tax band for middle-income, supplying lethal military support to Ukraine, increasing funds for childcare, and prioritising the construction of affordable starter homes.
During his ardfheis address tonight, Mr Harris stated he will be interacting with three kinds of people: existing Fine Gael voters, ex-supporters and those who don’t vote for the party. His speech will outline his policy priorities which include a notable emphasis on law enforcement, the impact of drug addiction in communities, and a push for stricter penalties for antisocial actions.
Simon Harris is also projected to discuss additional family support, agriculture, business cost reduction, and reiterate his party’s commitment to safeguard the economy, build more homes, invest in health, education and disability provisions, and enhance childcare access. The recently appointed taoiseach will also address the Middle East and the Gaza crisis.
Mr Harris firmly states that he has no intention of triggering a sudden election under his leadership. He assured his coalition partners and the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Green Party that they would not be surprised by a sudden election announcement. With his coalition partners, he believes in a sensible and reliable leadership model and promises that the government will see out its full term till early next year.
As for his reshuffle of the Fine Gael Cabinet, Mr Harris plans to draw upon a mix of perspectives. While there has been speculation about his selection criteria considering geography and gender, the new party leader refuted any claims of an upper age limit for potential senior ministers. He dismissed the suggestion that he might drop the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, as unjust, and underscored that his colleague and friend plays a crucial role in the party. He expressed his belief in the importance of facilitating a diversity of perspectives in the Cabinet, accentuating that different people bring different skills and strengths.
Mr Harris was previously confronted with accusations of a covert operation in 2021 by State Minister Patrick O’Donovan aimed to expose him of potential Cabinet leaks. When questioned as to whether this would interfere with Mr O’Donovan’s future prospects during the reshuffle, Mr Harris dismissed the allegations, declaring they have no impact on his final judgement.
He voiced his intentions of arranging the most efficient team by utilising available skills. On being questioned, Mr O’Donovan expressed his unchanging congenial relationship with the leadership.
The leader of Fine Gael conceded to the prevailing pressured atmosphere ahead of the reshuffle. He acknowledged that some may perceive personal letdowns but assured that chances are bound to come around for those who missed them this time.
As June 7th nears, marking the date of the local and European elections, the first significant assessment to the new Taoiseach’s performance will occur, contingent on the party’s success in the elections. With 255 seated councillors, the party currently sits second to Fianna Fáil and would undoubtedly face challenges in its efforts to maintain its standing within the politically charged environment.
Mr Harris has declared no intentions to vie for specified electoral seats. His plans involve electoral campaigning in each constituency within every county, involving roughly 350 candidates. The party simultaneously aims to hold onto its five seats within the European Parliament.