Dear Editor, – I am intently observing the swift oratory rise that seems to be accompanying Simon Harris’s prospective rank elevation. Not more than a couple of days past his nomination, and there was chatter concerning his imminent “rise” to the principal post, and soon enough, preparations for his impending “coronation”. It is with keen interest that I await news of his possible sainthood and eventual deification, possibly materialising by the end of the week. Sincerely,
MAURICE NEWMAN,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
Dear Sir, – There is indeed a chance that Simon Harris will be our youngest Taoiseach. Yet, his party address from this past Sunday echoed the familiar rhetoric of Fine Gael. We’ve heard the phrases “Fine Gael is committed to law and order”, and “taking back our flag”, time and time again. It seems nothing fresh has emerged either in the world generally, or in Fine Gael specifically. Sincerely,
PATRICK O’BYRNE,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.
My friend, – With Josepha Madigan’s departure, our departing Taoiseach reminded us of their first encounter at a past Dancing with the Stars event. Now, Nina Carberry, herself a Dancing with the Stars champion, is hoping for a European Parliament nomination. The Fine Gael headquarters is currently reminiscent of Lannigan’s Ball. Yours,
EOGHAN Mac CORMAIC,
Cill Chríost,
Gaillimh.
Dear Sir, – Another Fine Gael TD, Josepha Madigan, has chosen to not contest the upcoming general election. An eerie similarity to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None narrative seems to present itself. Sincerely,
PAUL DELANEY,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
As a swift decision has been reached regarding the leadership of Fine Gael, the delay of another fortnight before putting forward Simon Harris as taoiseach to the Dáil appears superfluous and, indeed, perplexing. Dáil standing orders allow Taoiseach Leo Varadkar the capacity to request an earlier assembly of the Dáil than the set adjourned date. The value of scheduling a session this week to establish a new government, enabling reshuffled Ministers to acclimate to their fresh departments and start work effectively following Easter, is undeniable. Unlike past post-election environments seeing lengthy negotiations over several months amongst would-be coalition partners, a straightforward Cabinet reshuffle suffices in this case. It is hard to imagine previous taoisigh tolerating such a postponement under comparable conditions.
While many have noted Simon Harris is set to become the youngest taoiseach, it is important to remember that Michael Collins held the role of government chairman – effectively, the prime minister or taoiseach – aged just 31 in January 1922. There are likewise hopes that the incoming taoiseach will champion the late-risers in society.
The recent introspection within Fine Gael into its fundamental values poses a significant query for the wider political landscape.
Political parties of almost all orientations have attempted to be everything to everyone in the last decade, to the detriment of the entire nation. As Simon Harris will soon discover, superficial solutions to the country’s issues are ineffective when the underlying cause of these problems remain unaddressed.
Ahead of the forthcoming general election, which is expected no later than June given the current government’s weakening mandate, all political parties are urged to lay out their comprehensive and costed plans for tackling the country’s key issues. These include housing, health, carers, crime, and policies on asylum and immigration. – Yours truly, Michael Flynn, Bayside, Dublin 13.
Sir, – As Una Mullally rightly pointed out, the existing government suffers from a gap in both authority and connection. This trend, unsettlingly, appears to be mirrored in the opposition parties within the Dáil, without exception. All politicians should heed that transport slogan, “Mind the gap”. It appears that Simon Harris, at least, has taken this onboard. – Yours truly, Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18.
Sir, – Why hasn’t anyone yet commented on the fact that Leo Varadkar was a catastrophic Taoiseach and incredibly detrimental to our nation? – Yours truly, Keith Nolan, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.
Sir, – Leo has been the most diligent and best performing Taoiseach to date. He is deserving of everyone’s gratitude. – Yours truly, Margaret O’Neill, Dublin 16.
Sir, – Following the implementation of free secondary education, it has been stated that our nation now boasts an extremely well-educated and capable younger generation. However, some argue that Simon Harris is too inexperienced for his role. Perhaps, the moral here reserves to “be wary of what you aspire for”? – Yours truly, Richard Allen, Cummeen, Sligo.