The new leader of Fine Gael and Taoiseach-in-waiting Simon Harris has used his first speech as party leader to mention the farming community and rural Ireland.
Harris – who is currently Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science – was confirmed as the party’s leader today (Sunday, March 24) following a leadership selection process in which the Wicklow TD was the only candidate.
As Fine Gael currently holds the role of Taoiseach in the coalition agreement with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, it is virtually certain that Minister Harris will become Taoiseach in the coming weeks.
Giving a speech to Fine Gael members at a meeting in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, following his confirmation as leader, Minister Harris touched on farmers and rural Ireland.
“This party stands for supporting the family farm. It stands not for lecturing farmers, but for helping them. For helping farmers to transition to meet the challenges of both food security and climate change,” he said.
“We believe in regional development. It’s essential. And to people in rural Ireland, let me say this. We have your back,” Minister Harris added.
His selection and Fine Gael leader, and almost certain appointment to the role of Taoiseach, has been welcomed by the chairperson of the Wicklow county executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
According to Tom Byrne, Minister Harris is “by a long shot the best and most approachable TD in Wicklow of all the five TDs”.
“He was our go-to man regardless of what party you were. I’m definitely looking forward to the prospect of him being Taoiseach,” Byrne told Agriland.
The Wicklow IFA chair added: “He has a great grasp of the situation. We have met him on [the Nature Restoration Law], we have met him on dog control, we have met him on so many issues, and he has a sense of a no-nonsense approach, and I hope that continues into his Taoiseach days.”
Minister Harris replaces Leo Varadkar as leader of Fine Gael, after the latter announced his shock resignation this week, prompting a mixed response from farm organisations.