With Minister Simon Harris currently trying to secure enough votes to ensure he is formally elected as Taoiseach, following Leo Varadkar’s resignation as Taoiseach last month, speculation is growing about a potential Cabinet reshuffle with Minister Martin Heydon in mind.
Former Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney announced this week that he does not wish to continue in Cabinet, where he has held the role of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment since December 2022.
In a post on X, Minister Coveney said: “I spoke to Simon Harris to inform him that I would not be making myself available to serve in cabinet when the Dáil resumes next week.
“I’ll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central and will of course actively support the government in the Dáil,” Minister Coveney added.
Minister Coveney was Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine from 2011 to 2016.
Heydon promotion?
Fine Gael Minister Martin Heydon has held a junior ministry as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) since July 2020.
The Kildare South TD holds the portfolio for farm safety, research and development and new market development.
With the Enterprise Minister role now appearing to become vacant, speculation has been mounting as to who may fill it.
Minister Heydon told Agriland: ” Decisions on Cabinet positions will be made by Fine Gael leader Minister Harris.
“First and foremost, I am honoured to serve and represent the people of Kildare South.
“I have immensely enjoyed my role as a Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture and my focus continues to be supporting farmers and the sector through this difficult period. I am available to serve wherever asked.”
Fine Gael
The Fine Gael party has been going through somewhat of a ‘shedding’ among its members at Oireachtas level, with a number of stalwart TDs having announced that they do not intend to contest the next general election.
Meanwhile, the new leader of Fine Gael has given a firm commitment that the party will continue to back and champion rural Ireland and the agriculture sector at a meeting with a party representative group.
The Fine Gael National Agricultural, Food and Rural Development Forum (NAFRDF) was established to serve as a representative body for rural Fine Gael members and the parliamentary body.
It has already held a series of events, including regional conferences over the last year, which afforded the forum the opportunity to engage with 2,500 people on the issues which matter to them in their communities.
The group comprises 61 delegates nationwide.
Speaking following the NAFRDF meeting this week, NAFRDF chair and former president of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Eddie Downey said:
“This was a very constructive meeting and demonstrates that Minister Harris and Fine Gael are committed to the agriculture sector and rural Ireland.
“We pointed out that after 18 months of meetings and consultation, we are now ready to bring a policy document together.
“This document will reflect the views of forum and the wider membership of the party, the public, and elected members on issues relating to rural Ireland and the farming and food sectors.
“We will have a farming and food session at our upcoming Ard Fheis this Saturday where these issues can be developed. I expect that climate action, farm succession, our food security will all be up for discussion.”
Minister Harris said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with colleagues from the Fine Gael National Agricultural, Food and Rural Development Forum. This is one of the policy areas I intend to focus on as Fine Gael leader.
“Farming makes a vital contribution to our economy and local communities. Farmers have had an incredibly difficult year this year because of the weather and this was an important opportunity to hear from them.
“It is now essential we gather that information and take concrete steps to address the concerns of this vital part of our economy and society.”