A Clare Independent TD claims Simon Harris will now have the power to make amends for the state of the Department of Health when he left it, by tackling legacy issues in the Midwest.
The Higher Education Minister confirmed his intention to run to be the next leader of the Fine Gael party last night and is likely be the sole candidate.
He’s already been endorsed by the majority of Fine Gael parliamentary party members, including Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway, and says he’s overwhelmed by their support.
It follows Leo Varadkar’s shock announcement on Wednesday that he’s stepping down.
If elected, Simon Harris will be the country’s youngest ever Taoiseach and he’s vowed to remain committed to the Programme for Government and get things done for the people.
A Clare Independent TD believes a lot can be done over the coming year, if the political will is there.
Scariff Deputy Michael McNamara wants to see Simon Harris bring the health service under the umbrella of the Taoiseach.
He believes he now has the power to make amends for the state of the Department of Health at the end of his tenure as Health Minister, saying it was in “not a good state”.
Despite predictions from some Government representatives including Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe that a General Election won’t be called until the run up to Christmas, Simon Harris wouldn’t be drawn on this.
He says the only contest he’s currently involved in is to be leader of the Fine Gael party.
Clare’s Sinn Féin representative believes this shouldn’t be the case though.
Shannon Councillor and General Election candidate Donna McGettigan believes the failure to call an election in tandem with Leo Varadkar’s resignation shows instability.
Nominations close on Monday but it’s likely that Minister Harris will remain unchallenged over the weekend.
