Alan Farrell appointed chair of Fine Gael parliamentary party

Cillian Sherlock, PA

Alan Farrell has been appointed the new chair of the Fine Gael parliamentary party after a Cabinet reshuffle by new leader Simon Harris.

Mr Farrell replaces Alan Dillon, who became minister of state at the Department of Housing after Mr Harris’s appointment as Taoiseach.

Mr Harris made a number of changes to the senior and junior portfolios held by Fine Gael ministers, after indicating a preference that office holders would commit to running in the next general election.

Mr Farrell, who did not receive a promotion to a ministerial position, takes over from Mr Dillon, who had been in the role since October 2023.

He will chair regular meetings of the parliamentary party to discuss legislative priorities and issues facing constituents.

At the most recent meeting on Tuesday, Mr Harris said ministers will next month bring forward proposals to assist small businesses across the country.

He also referenced work by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to bring about tougher sentences for knife crime.

Regarding housing, the Taoiseach said a proposal will be brought to Cabinet next week on Government’s development levy waiver.

Fine Gael representatives were also encouraged to ensure 140,000 small and medium-sized businesses access the Increased Cost of Business grant, which has a total allocation of €257 million.

Tributes were also paid to former TD Gerard Murphy and a moment’s silence was held in his memory after his death.