Simon Harris, who is likely to be elected taoiseach on the upcoming Tuesday, is set to have discussions with Independent TDs during the coming week. Despite the belief that he will not need their support to secure the position, it’s notable that Independent TDs have been instrumental in boosting the Government’s slim on-paper majority in recent votes of confidence, as well as in supporting the coalition’s choice for taoiseach.
This week, Denis Naughten, the Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, signalled his intention to cast his vote for Mr Harris. Additionally, Independent TD, Cathal Berry, representing Kildare South, who previously supported both Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar in the taoiseach votes, voiced his desire for a speedy mini-budget before the Dáil commences its summer recess. Mr Berry underlined the necessity of extra aid for small enterprises and agriculturists.
He made an argument against waiting until fall for the release of new policies, warning that it will be too late in the year for the benefits to reach small businesses. Mr Berry, scheduled to meet Mr Harris on Thursday, also forecast that the planned increase in motor fuel excise duty for August may not be implemented. He expressed concerns that people should be motivated to work instead of being penalised for it.
Mr Harris, on the other hand, has clarified that he will not conduct ‘transactional’ meetings with the Independent TDs. Matt Shanahan, the Independent TD from Waterford, expressed his intent to discuss the urgent need for a mini-budget to assist small businesses.
In addition, a Cabinet reshuffle appears imminent due to vacancies created by Mr Harris’s expected promotion and Simon Coveney’s, Minister for Enterprise’s, resolution not to seek his position in the Cabinet again. There is growing speculation about potential elevation for various Junior Ministers, including figures like Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Peter Burke, Neale Richmond and Patrick O’Donovan. A minister, who requested anonymity, indicated that Mr Coveney’s decision provides Mr Harris ample scope to restructure the Cabinet without demoting any existing members from the Fine Gael’s Cabinet.
News broke on Wednesday that Mr Harris has successfully recruited a crucial advisor from the Green Party who is set to become a part of his support team.
Jack O’Donnell, previously serving as an advisor to Green Party’s Super-Junior Minister Pippa Hackett, will be joining the growing staff slated to collaborate with Mr Harris. In the past, Mr O’Donnell had been a special advisor to Eoghan Murphy during his tenure in the housing department and has served in the Government Buildings with Enda Kenny during his time as Taoiseach. Other advisors, including Chris Donoghue, who had recently been involved with Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney, will accompany Mr O’Donnell; however, Donoghue is predicted to be appointed as the government press secretary.
Senior advice to the Wicklow TD is anticipated to be provided by former Irish Times journalist Sarah Bardon and Joanne Lonergan, who once advised Mr Harris in the Department of Health. Ms Bardon has been collaborating with Mr Harris since 2018, while Ms Lonergan, after a brief stint in consultancy, is predicted to rejoin the team.
Ciara Phelan, a journalist with the Irish Examiner, is set to join as the deputy government press secretary, and two staff members from Mr Varadkar’s team, Clare Mungovan and Matt Lynch, are expected to stay on. There are also rumours of Majella Fitzpatrick, a former advisor to Mr Harris, reuniting with the team.
Mr Harris is reportedly in search of an economic advisor, with the position likely being part-time, along the lines of the role held by Prof Alan Ahearne in the Tánaiste’s office. This role probably won’t be filled until after his election as Taoiseach and appointment of his Cabinet.