Coaltion Government should serve full term, Harris insists

Jonathan McCambridge, PA

New Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has ruled out an early general election, stating he wants the coalition Government to run its full term.

Speaking to the media shortly after he was confirmed as party leader, Mr Harris also said that it had been an emotional day for him.

His ascent to the leadership of the party was sparked by the shock resignation of Leo Varadkar.

Mr Harris will replace Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when the Dáil returns after Easter.

However, opposition parties have used Mr Varadkar’s resignation as the opportunity to call for an early general election.

If the coalition Government of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party runs its full term, an election must be held by March 22nd next year.

Mr Harris said: ”I want to get this government back to work, I want to deliver for people, I want to implement the programme for government, and I want to renew my party right across the country.

“It is my view and my intention that this government should run full term.”

He added: “We have a lot of work to do, and I don’t think there needs to be any mystique around my intention where you guys ask me every second day where my head is at.

“I am planning for this Government, should I be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach, I would like to see this government run full term.”

Mr Harris said he was humbled by the responsibility of being confirmed as the new leader of Fine Gael.

He became emotional while delivering his first speech as leader when he paid tribute to his family.

Speaking later, he said: “Today is an emotional day for me personally.

“It is a day I am greatly humbled by.

“I’m absolutely honoured to have become this evening the leader of the Fine Gael party.

“This is a job I approach with determination, resolve, but a real sense of humility.”

The Wicklow TD refused to be drawn on any plans to reshuffle Government Ministers within his party. He said instead his priority was to engage with his coalition partners.

He said: “I look forward to engaging with the Tánaiste Micheál Martin and the leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan.

“I’ve had a brief conversation by phone with both of them this evening.

“My priority right now is speaking to the Tánaiste and Minister Ryan.

“I know that that relationship between the three leaders is really important to the success of this coalition, and I value that.

“As the days develop, we will begin to get closer in terms of cabinet decisions.”