Simon Harris, the incumbent Minister for Higher Education, is expected to encounter no opposition in his bid to become the next Prime Minister and leader of Fine Gael, following substantial endorsement from the majority of his party mates on Thursday. By the time Harris made his official announcement of his candidacy on RTÉ’s Six One News, over 35 members of the 54-member parliamentary party had publicly shown their support for him, while his potential competitors like Simon Coveney, Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohoe, and Heather Humphreys stated their intention not to challenge him for the position.
Having Harris as the sole candidate for the post is now a certainty as the deadline for nominations ends on Monday. He is forecasted to be elected as Prime Minister when the Dáil resumes on the 9th of April.
In Harris’s words on RTÉ, he expressed his determination to serve as the upcoming Fine Gael leader and bring dynamism into the role. Harris emphasised his desire to strengthen the connection with the party nationwide, return to fundamental principles, and tackle issues that impact citizens’s daily routine.
Shortly after his candidacy declaration, Harris received endorsement from nearly half of the party’s members of parliament, senators, and European parliament members. This overwhelming support came in the wake of Leo Varadkar’s unexpected resignation as party leader. Due to this broad early backing, potential contenders refrained from expressing their intention to run for the leadership. On Thursday morning, both Simon Coveney and Helen McEntee, two senior ministers, separately affirmed their decision not to stand for election. McEntee stated on LMFM that the timing was not suitable for her to vie for the position.
Both Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure, and Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, confirmed by midday that they would not put themselves forward for leadership. Instead, Ms Humphreys expressed her support for Mr Harris, while Mr Donohoe did not publicly back any contenders.
“My focus remains on my roles as Government Minister and president of the Eurogroup, positions I consider a privilege to hold,” shared Donohoe within a formal statement.
Meanwhile, Neale Richmond – Minister of State for Business – was the initial TD to openly support Mr Harris. His endorsement came simultaneously with several endorsements from senators and councillors for the Minister for Higher Education.
If Simon Harris decides to run for leadership, I am fully prepared to support him,” shared Richmond on RTE’s Morning Ireland. “I believe this moment offers a meaningful opportunity for change within our party and the government – we need something fresh, like Simon. While I hope there would be a contest as it would beneficial, my unwavering support would be with Simon. I view him as the most competent candidate for the role,” added Richmond.
Commenting on the leadership change, former leader Leo Varadkar stated he would not endorse any specific candidate. He mentioned this decision was in line with Fine Gael tradition and that it would allow him to support any elected leader wholeheartedly.
Other senior figures in Fine Gael, including Richard Bruton and Ms McEntee, expressed their preference for a leadership contest.
Varadkar responded to a question about the helpfulness of a contest saying, “It’s not a necessity. It could be beneficial as it enables discussions about priorities, ideas and policies. Still, it is not essential.” As he arrived for the European Union summit in Brussels, he shared his thoughts on why he chose this time to step down.