The initial stages of a new leader’s tenure, usually the first 100 days, is viewed as a pivotal time wherein they establish their stance and indicate their government’s trajectory. For Simon Harris, however, these first few days may not be a reliable indicator, as they might constitute nearly half of his entire time as the Taoiseach. Hence, if he aspires to leave a notable impression as Taoiseach, he will have to promptly leap into action as of today, proceeding at a pace more akin to Road Runner than Wile E Coyote.
Our focus this morning is primarily centred on yesterday’s happenings at Leinster House and Áras an Uachtaráin. It was a formal day that underscored our democratic nature with the Taoiseach and Cabinet’s appointment and their reception of their seals of office from the President.
However, it’s equally crucial to highlight Tánaiste Micheál Martin’s confirmation yesterday that Ireland is soon to officially acknowledge Palestine as a state. Further discussion on this will follow.
Unfortunately, Harris had little opportunity to present his plan yesterday, as his message remained largely broad and optimistic: “Today, I reaffirm my dedication to push boundaries to construct more homes and foster greater homeownership.” His speech was filled with more of the same.
One conspicuous aspect of Harris’s swift rise is the lack of tangible accomplishments he can showcase from the journey. His eight-year Cabinet tenure hasn’t seen him oversee any major economic or financial sectors. His commendable handling of the pandemic’s initial phases doesn’t fully mask an otherwise uninspiring time at the Department of Health. Also, he hasn’t seized the chance to clearly express a comprehensive perspective of Ireland’s international positioning, particularly its ties to the EU and the UK post-Brexit. His firm grasp on the precarious political situation in Northern Ireland is yet to be seen.
Simon Harris’s leadership qualities have been questioned given his lacklustre performance since he assumed the role. His commitment to amplifying the number of homes to 250,000 over the span of five years, which contradicts prior governmental promises, has led to questions about his seriousness. His speech at the ardfheis, rife with meaningless platitudes, further cemented these doubts. While this may have been lauded by party supporters, it does little to suggest a politician of substance.
The newly appointed Taoiseach had a limited privilege when it came to rearranging the senior cabinet, with only two positions available for changes. Peter Burke from the Longford-Westmeath constituency was a sure bet for the position of Minister for Enterprise, after proving his abilities as Minister of State for European Affairs.
Several aspiring TDs had their eyes on the other available position, Harris’s former portfolio of Higher and Further Education. Hildegarde Naughton, Neale Richmond, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and Patrick O’Donovan were among the contenders. Eventually, it narrowed down to two candidates: Naughton and O’Donovan. The TD from Limerick county was selected, making Naughton’s lack of promotion a disappointment, especially for Galway, the state’s third largest county which hasn’t seen a senior minister in 13 years. However, Naughton will be given some extra duties as Chief Whip, including special education and a role as ‘minister for the west’.
Harris will have more freedom when it comes to junior ministerial appointments. Three vacancies have emerged due to promotions and the resignation of Josepha Madigan. Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill will assume the new role of junior minister for European Affairs, while Richmond replaces her in the Finance department. Tipped for promotion are Alan Dillon from Mayo, Eimear Higgins from Dublin Mid West, and Colm Burke from Cork North Central. Possible risk faces at least one of the current incumbents.
It is hopeful that the Palestine state will benefit from this restructuring.
In a significant development within Irish politics, a courageous plan was unveiled to officially acknowledge a nation that presently exists as two disparate pieces of land, one of which is perilously close to utter annihilation. This announcement followed an illicit seizure of another 2,000 acres of West Bank land by the Israeli government.
Micheál Martin, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, voiced his intent to officially recognise the Palestinian State in the Irish legislature, the Dáil. Martin expressed that further delays in delivering this recognition were unjustifiable and unsustainable. He has been engaged in conversations with various countries participating in peace endeavours in Gaza, with plans to present related proposals to the Irish government shortly. He affirmed that “Recognition of the Palestinian State will come to pass,” without a doubt.
The announcement was well received by the rival parties. However, Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy tweeted that the announcement did not amount to a solid declaration and cautioned, “Without immediate and decisive action from Ireland and the world, there may be no Palestine left to acknowledge.”
Several articles and podcasts caught readers’ attention. Miriam Lord’s cutting commentary aptly summarised the day’s events. In-depth analysis of the hurdles facing the young yet experienced Taoiseach was provided by Pat Leahy. Leahy noted the tricky balance between being electoral rivals and government allies that the Coalition will have to handle as the next election looms.
The podcast hosted by Hugh Linehan features discussions about the day’s significant political developments and appointments with Pat Leahy and Jennifer Bray. Insight into the high-stakes proceedings in the Dáil was shared by Marie O’Halloran. Jennifer Bray explored the five major challenges looming on the horizon. Cormac McQuinn profiled the four crucial appointments made, while Kathy Sheridan considered the likelihood of a new right-wing party, potentially a relaunch of the Progressive Democrats.
Tomorrow, Simon Harris is set for a rendezvous with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. Later today, the Government will disclose the new State ministers.
Dáil’s schedule today is confined to a mere six and a half hours of sitting. The proceeding events will unfold as follows:
At 14:02, a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and Council for the augmentation of police collaboration pertaining to migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Following that, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath will be ready to answer oral enquires.
At 16:29, a second stage inception of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024 will be discussed under the supervision of the Department of Finance. The Dáil will adjourn at 20:34. The Seanad, on the other hand, will be inactive today and will resume tomorrow.
Various committees will witness the presence of two ministers, Darragh O’Brien and Norma Foley. The primary attraction, though, is likely to be the former president Mary McAleese, who will partake in the ongoing debates about amalgamating the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association.
Scrutinies and investigations of the day will follow these topics at various committees: the impact of means testing on the State Pension and other Social Welfare Schemes, the funding and execution of the National Cancer Strategy, and the prospective unification of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association with the Gaelic Athletic Association. Mary McAleese, in her capacity as chair of the integration steering committee, is set to join the hearings. Discussions on Key Issues with Norma Foley, Minister for Education, are set for 17:30.