Simon Harris, the current Taoiseach, has had quite a busy schedule recently, travelling all over Ireland to various events and locations. His recent travels took him to spots like Tinahely, Tullamore, Dungarvan, Tullow, and Virginia for agricultural shows, in addition to attending the Fleadh Cheoil, the Rose of Tralee, the Kilkenny Arts Festival, and the MacGill Summer School. A holiday in Portugal and a stay in Fota were also on his agenda.
No member of the Fine Gael has escaped an unexpected visit from Harris in their district. His next stop is the annual Michael Collins oration at Béal na Bláth, with a detour to the Inniscarra Agricultural Show. When he took on the role of Taoiseach, Harris pledged to inject new vitality and to hit the ground running. He has certainly lived up to that promise.
However, beyond all the country-wide travel and social media updates, what does Harris’ work entail? On meeting with him in his Government Buildings office for an interview, he remarked, “I believe it’s crucial for politics, politicians, and the Government to reconnect with the public.” He emphasised the importance of interacting and engaging with citizens, calling it an integral part of his political style.
But Harris’ work isn’t just about frequent movement. He highlighted several decisions his administration has made pertaining to the Stardust victims, Palestine, supporting small businesses, disabilities, etc. He acknowledged, however, that many of these issues were already underway when he became Taoiseach, and that a considerable part of his role is to maintain constant progress and fulfill his Government’s term.
Expounding on his vision for Ireland’s future, if given the mandate, he illustrates the need to elucidate his plans to the Irish populace, stressing on his five-year blueprint. He recognises that the public is keen on understanding his plans in addressing crucial issues, such as the problematic housing situation, migration, and childcare.
His tenure in the Government thus far has seen him adopt a cooperative approach, uniting all parties to resolve issues collaboratively instead of passing the buck. He aims to maintain this method, intending to address and remedy major challenges.
Highlighting a plethora of significant ideas that would feature in his manifesto, his schemes encompass areas such as disability and childcare reform, and showcasing the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable solution for housing by ensuring the construction of 250,000 additional homes in the next half-decade. Additionally, he acknowledges the necessity of revamping the tax system to aid in family and relative-care costs.
Speaking at the MacGill Summer School last month, he stressed on his pragmatic political outlook – a stand that echoes the philosophy of renowned world leaders like Barack Obama and Tony Blair.
Harris revealed that his political goals are based on pragmatism. His belief is straightforward- enabling every child, irrespective of their background, to achieve their utmost potential, a subject he is fervently passionate about.
Drawing from personal experiences, he states his belief in the principles of equality, using the metaphor of newborns at Holles Street Hospital to illustrate this point.
In my opinion, the pivotal role of government is to utilise its power and influence to guide people in their journey through life – to be a beacon of positivity. Dogmatic tendencies should never be permitted to sway matters; we dwell in a nation that flourishes in success and wealth. Our country is truly magnificent – a sentiment I hold close to my heart. It offers countless reasons to beam with pride. Yet despite such applause, it still hasn’t fully realised its inherent potential.
The fundamental principle that resonates with me is providing equal opportunity for all and allowing the governing body to serve as a catalyst to bridge existing disparities. On a national basis, I envision our country capitalising on its resources to allow people, who abide by laws and are committed, to achieve their dreams and ambitions. In a larger context, I yearn for our nation to perpetually exude pro-European sentiments, and display an expansive world view, actively supporting multilateralism.
It doesn’t escape my attention that the dominant opposition party in Ireland has voted against all European referendums, including the proposition to join. In light of this, I contemplate creating a state-controlled early childhood education system.
I can’t divulge our entire game plan in one go, but our vision is clear when it comes to early childhood education. We’ve prioritised reducing the cost of education and childcare, but could early education fit into this picture, forming part of a systematic approach to learning?
Despite praising the achievements of our government, I am aware – exemplified by the plight of children affected by scoliosis – that the provision of services by the state has failed in many instances. That’s why it is imperative to strive relentlessly each day to improve in all sectors. I’m driven by a sense of restlessness – that’s simply who I am.
The budget for the forthcoming fiscal year is scheduled to be unveiled by the Government on 1st October. This will be the first budget presented by Taoiseach Harris, but the last one by the present Coalition. Despite the traditional confidential discussions and clandestine negotiating, Harris hints that this year’s package will follow a similar size and structure as previous ones. Anticipated components include tax cuts, enduring increases in expenditure spanning social welfare rates, and a series of one-time bonuses for the third consecutive year, which are slated for completion within the year.
Often, Harris is asked about the planned timing of the general election, mostly by journalists or occasionally by a fellow colleague. He insists that implementing measures to alleviate the current cost-of-living crisis faced by the population is imperative. He empathises with those who contend that even though they are industriously working, the cost of day-to-day necessities remains disproportionately high and has increased significantly compared to recent memory.
A fourth aspect of the proposed budget, Harris shares, entails a comprehensive package for augmenting infrastructure spending, financed through the profits from the state’s ownership of AIB stored within the government’s strategic investment fund. This amount is roughly €2 billion, and its allocation will help address infrastructure shortcomings in areas such as water supply, energy, and housing.
In his long-term vision, Harris would like to establish a dedicated Department of Infrastructure to efficiently manage infrastructure expense.
Hence, it is with pride that the Taoiseach looks back on the improved Anglo-Irish relationships, although he concedes that the transition of power in Downing Street had a greater influence on this development than a similar change within the Government Buildings. He applauds Keir Starmer, the new UK prime minister, for his vow to annul the contentious Troubles legacy legislation, which safeguards former British soldiers and has been locally contentious. Harris confirms that legal proceedings against the UK government regarding this legislation will be terminated eventually.
Regarding the prospect of a unified Ireland in the future, Harris staunchly advocates this aspiration but doesn’t consider the preparations for a potential referendum, as advocated by Sinn Féin and similar civic nationalist groups, to be a pressing matter at present.
Harris insists that presently, the priority should be focused on exploiting the Belfast Agreement to its utmost potential rather than making preparations for speculative eventualities.
He voices his disapproval of the EU’s stance regarding the Gaza conflict, whilst acknowledging that Ireland doesn’t have the capacity for independent action against Israel. The question of the upcoming general election is posed next.
“When this question comes up, I find it amusing for a couple of reasons. For one, the predominantly inquisitors appear to be journalists, with the occasional colleague tossed in. I have never had a member of the public ask me when the election would be held. And that’s the honest truth,” he shares.
“Secondly, it should be remembered that I took office as Taoiseach in April. I think you’ll remember that the then-leaders of the Fianna Fáil and the Green Party only had one request from me; to ensure that the government runs until next year. It was well-documented that I naturally agreed to this.
“Since then, we haven’t had subsequent discussions regarding it. Thus, my stance remains steady on this matter.”
Is the scheduling of the next election whether in November or March – the latest possible period marking the end of a five-year government term – of any importance?
“Apparently, it does to you,” he states. “I don’t mean to sound harsh, but it seems significant to journalists who take keen interest in it, in addition to pundits and commentators.
“In my view, the public seems content for the government to complete its full term. This resolve has been publicly pronounced by the three governing parties. I hold faith in the other party leaders, who have expressed the same sentiment. I was asked to honour my promise, which I was willing to do. We have all committed to this.”
This seems to subtly suggest the potential for a fall election, albeit dependent on the desires of his coalition partners. This is what everyone in the Irish political sphere anticipates, anyway. One thing is sure, expect to see Harris on his political path once again.