The real challenges facing Simon Harris when he becomes Taoiseach
Simon Harris has been announced as the new leader of Fine Gael and has promised this is a “moment for Fine Gael to reset”.
He was formally announced as Taoiseach at the party’s European selection convention for the Midlands-North West constituency Sheraton Athlone Hotel in Westmeath.
As the sole person nominated for the leadership role, he was declared leader with no contest or vote.
Speaking at the convention this afternoon, Mr Harris said his appointment marks a “a moment for Fine Gael to reset”.
“It is a moment for Fine Gael to reconnect,” he said. “It is a moment for Fine Gael to renew our commitment to the people.
“It’s a hell of a lot to get done in the time ahead.”
The Higher Education Minister said Fine Gael will “always support democracy and freedom”.
“Fine Gael stands as a party unafraid to speak truth to power about the catastrophe we are witnessing in Gaza and to voice in no uncertain terms the moral outrage of the Irish people,” he said.
“I repeat my calls today for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, an end to violence in the Middle East and a political process to bring about a two-state solution.”
Mr Harris entered the Dáil at the age of 24 and was the “baby of the Dáil”, the unofficial title given to the youngest TD in Leinster House
Credit to : Newstalk