Taoiseach Simon Harris made statements criticising the evasion of accountability by Government bodies and national organisations, leading to the creation of a system that is constructed “ignoring the citizens’ interests”, at the Kennedy Summer School event in New Ross, County Wexford.
He affirmed that it’s not a deliberate action but likened it to a game of ‘pass the buck’, jestingly suggesting that we could potentially win a medal should it be an Olympic event.
During several high-level discussions held within the Government Buildings, he occasionally finds persons distancing themselves from certain issues, claiming that it’s the responsibility of another department or organisation, an approach he finds highly intolerable.
He acknowledged the existence of multiple elements within our system that functions exceptionally. However, he discerns an increasing trend where public policies and issue resolutions are divided amongst various neatly divided government sections and structures.
Since assuming office as Taoiseach last April, Harris accepts the challenge of bringing together the different elements and moving forward. He commented that the Taoiseach is the only person capable of achieving this cohesive operation in the government.
Comically hinting at the forthcoming general elections scheduled for “March”, Harris claimed that he advised all his ministers to act as the voices of the public in their respective departments rather than simply being representatives of their departments.
During his tenure within the Department of Health, he clarified that his role was not that of a medic. Likewise, when he served in the Department of Justice, he wasn’t functioning as a guard. His role in a representative democracy was to serve as the voice of his constituents, a task which he enjoyed as it allowed him to instigate change.
Turning his attention to the discourse surrounding immigration, he mentioned that the small group who aim to exploit concerns around the matter do not reflect the broad-minded majority of ‘upstanding’ individuals within the country, he conveyed at a summer school event.
The increased visibility of enraged expressions on digital platforms both locally and internationally has led to perceptions that Ireland has somehow lost its sense of community spirit, camaraderie, and mutual respect and decency.
Contrary to this viewpoint, Harris, who had been chosen as the topic for this year’s lecture in memory of the deceased barrister and political commentator, Noel Whelan, he stated, “I firmly believe that this doesn’t truly represent most people’s sentiment.”
Having travelled extensively across the country during the summer, he relayed to a former upper-level executive, Sinead McSweeney, that his main finding from these expeditions has been the prevailing sense of decency amongst the people.