Prime Minister Simon Harris was mid-speech to the press outside Tullamore Court Hotel on Wednesday when the heavens opened up. The shower caused the Prime Minister, his team, the journalists and their camera crews to hastily relocate to the hotel’s main ballroom. As Simon Harris reached the middle of his address, the rain had stopped, and sunshine began to beam outside. This might be seen as a metaphor, but the interpretation isn’t clear; Is Harris represented by the sun? Or the changing weather? Or perhaps, it represents the fluctuating fortunes of the Fine Gael party, suggesting a sudden downturn followed by resurgence. Possibly, the gathering of dark clouds signifies Leo Varadkar, seen here looking undoubtedly pleased. Or, could it just be that it was a rain shower?
In terms of policy, a proposal so far is in ‘great-idea-in-theory’ stage. If it’s fleshed out and put into action, it would require a multibillion-euro investment and could be a game-changer in early education. The proposal will only gain credibility with careful planning, number crunching and solid funding. These factors are crucial. Otherwise, it’s nothing more than a nebulous election commitment.
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Fine Gael ministers, who ostentatiously exhibited their black Audis outside the hotel entrance will be tasked with broadcasting this message along with TDs and freshly selected candidates gathered in Tullamore.
Upon addressing the devoted in the Faithful County, Harris asserted, “Fine Gael is a party that prioritises people over politics”. Those with a good memory will recall the similar slogan “People before Politics” which was used by young Bertie Ahern in his initial election as party leader.
Five years on, while standing for re-election, Ahern resorted to a different catchphrase, which is typically favoured by every reigning political entity that is vying for re-election: “considerable achieved, more to accomplish”.
This phrase essentially illustrates that one is relying on their past achievements, but not entirely – they have substantial objectives for the incoming phase. This shows an absence of complacency and a recognition that electoral decisions are more influenced by what lies ahead rather than what is left behind.
The electorate’s assessment of the feasibility and practicality of Harris’s propositions for the future will determine his prospects of being returned as Taoiseach for a second term.