Simon Harris commits to ‘renewal’ of party in first speech as Fine Gael leader
Simon Harris has officially been elected the President of Fine Gael.
The 37-year-old Minister for Higher Education was the only candidate when nominations closed at 1pm today.
Speaking at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone, Mr Harris said it was the “honour of a lifetime” for him and he would “work to repay the faith” shown in him.
In a lengthy speech to attendees, Mr Harris paid tribute to his predecessors Leo Varadkar and Enda Kenny, and referenced the work of Richard Burton and Michael Noonan, among others.
He referenced his maiden speech in the Dáil some 13 years ago, and paid tribute to his wife Caoimhe and children Saoirse and Cillian, as well as his parents who “gave up so much and worked so hard” to provide.
“I appreciate that I am a very lucky man in every way,” he said.
He claimed Fine Gael’s efforts in tourism saw the economy rebound, and took aim at political rivals for denying this.
“Sinn Féin can’t bear to look back over what Fine Gael has achieved since pulling our economy back from the brink. Always seeking to denigrate our service in Government by denying reality,” he said.
“They can’t handle the truth.”
Mr Harris mapped out plans for the party to move forward, describing it as a “moment for Fine Gael to reset”.
“It is a moment for Fine Gael to reconnect. It is a moment for Fine Gael to renew our commitment to the people,” he said.
He said the party stands for “supporting business”, “making work pay”, and supporting education, as well as regional development, law and order, and responding to migration and the climate crisis.
He also condemned the invasion of Ukraine, and called for “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza”.
“I am going to bring energy and renewal to this party,” Mr Harris said.
“In the hours, days and weeks ahead I will be going back to the decent, hardworking grassroots of this party and listening carefully to what you want to see happen next.
“I will act, and act decisively, but I will always listen.
“I will never lose touch with people in this party or people across the country.”
Mr Harris committing to winning back those who used to vote Fine Gael but have moved on.
“To those who vote Fine Gael, I thank you and commit to redoubling our efforts. To those who don’t vote Fine Gael but once did, I want to win back your trust and your vote,” he said.
“To those who never will vote Fine Gael, I will always respect you and will work for the common good of this country.”
Irish people must “reclaim our flag”, the Taoiseach-to-be also said.
Mr Harris hit out at the “shame” of an Ireland flag being draped on the casket of Garda killer Pearse McAuley last week.
Mr McAuley was sentenced to 14 years in jail for the manslaughter of detective Garda Jerry McCabe, who was shot dead by an IRA gang during a raid on the post office in Adare, Co Limerick, in June 1996.
“Fine Gael established An Garda Síochána, we stand on the side of the gardaí and for crime that does not go unchecked.
“And in the week that I saw the tricolour of this republic draped over the coffin of a garda killer, I say shame.
“Let’s take back our flag.”
He will be elected Taoiseach at a Dáil sitting on April 9.
Mr Harris announced his candidature on Thursday night following a series of endorsements from within the Fine Gael parliamentary party and after a number of senior colleagues said they did not intend to stand for the leadership.
He has pledged to revitalise Fine Gael while focusing on business, farming and law and order and the party saw a slight bounce in early polling taken in the wake of Leo Varadkar’s shock announcement on Wednesday.
One of his first decisions will be who will fill Mr Varadkar’s seat at Cabinet, with European Affairs minister Peter Burke hotly tipped to earn a promotion to the senior ranks.
Mr Harris said that if elected leader, he would remain fully committed to the programme for government agreed with coalition partners Fianna Fail and the Green Party.
He has stopped short of ruling out a general election this year but insisted such a poll was not his priority.
Mr Harris has said he is “overwhelmed and honoured” by the level of support he has secured for his Fine Gael leadership bid.
