Fine Gael party members in Cork pay tribute to Simon Harris as he becomes party leader

FINE GAEL members in Cork have described Simon Harris as “energetic, enthusiastic and articulate” and said his appointment as party leader has “re-energised all of Fine Gael”.

Mr Harris was today confirmed as the new leader of the party – paving the way for him to become Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach.

The announcement was made in Athlone by the chairman of the party’s executive council, Willie Geraghty, after nominations closed and no other candidates had put their names forward for the leadership.

Mr Harris, 37, currently the Further and Higher Education Minister, will be formally elected as Taoiseach in the Dáil in April following the Easter recess.

Critically important time

Speaking following the announcement of Mr Harris as Fine Gael leader, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Cork Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer, said he wished to congratulate his new party leader on the appointment.

“He takes up the role at a critically important time,” Mr Buttimer told The Echo.

“He clearly has the energy, intellect and ability to lead Fine Gael. I wish him every success.”

Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke said the atmosphere at the party meeting in Athlone was “superb” and said he has absolute confidence in Mr Harris’ ability to lead the party.

“He’s young. He has energy. He will take on the challenges that are there,” he said.

Pragmatic

Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor in the city’s South East ward, Deirdre Forde, said the appointment of Mr Harris as party leader has “re-energised all of Fine Gael”.

“This is not a time for more of the same.

“I believe he will tackle the critical issues in a pragmatic and urgent manner and I’m delighted he has highlighted law and order and small business as some of his priorities,” the former Lord Mayor added.

Her party colleague councillor Shane O’Callaghan similarly expressed confidence that Mr Harris is the right person to be at the helm of Fine Gael.

“I think he’ll do a fantastic job. I think he’s extremely energetic, enthusiastic and articulate.

“I think he has the energy and the drive that the party needs, and the country needs, to make a success over the next year in the term of office,” the South Central ward councillor said.

“I feel positive about the future of the party under his leadership and I think he’s there for the long haul, which I feel is important.”

New ideas

Elsewhere in Cork, Fine Gael councillor in the Kanturk-Mallow MD, Liam Madden, lauded Mr Harris as “dynamic” and full of energy.

“There’s no doubt he probably will make changes, but change is often good too,” he told The Echo.

“Every time you get new blood, you get new ideas as well,” he continued.

Mr Harris’ appointment as party leader follows the shock announcement by Leo Varadkar that he would be stepping down as Fine Gael leader and would resign as Taoiseach as soon as his successor was selected.

Deeply honoured

Speaking at the party meeting in Athlone, Mr Harris said he was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to lead Fine Gael and thanked party members for their trust in him.

“I promise that I will repay that trust with hard work. With blood, sweat and tears - day in and day out. With responsibility, with humility and with civility,” he said.

Mr Harris paid tribute to his predecessor, Leo Varadkar, describing his legacy as “truly significant”.

He added that now is 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 and to public service,” he said.