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LAST UPDATE | 9 Apr 2024
TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS has received his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins, formalising his election as head of government
The nomination of Harris as Taoiseach passed a vote in the Dáil by 88 votes to 69 after he was proposed by Heather Humphreys. Leaders from all parties rose to either support or oppose the nomination.
After a quick trip to the Áras, Harris returns to Government Buildings to appoint ministers to Cabinet.
Here’s how the morning played out.
From our political reporter Jane Matthews this morning, here’s a rundown of the schedule for the day:
Things won’t officially get started in Leinster House until 10.30am when the Dáil will commence.
TDs will then cast their vote on whether or not they want to see Simon Harris become Taoiseach.
This is more of a formality at this stage, given the Government’s majority in the house.
It is, however, a slim majority of just 81 and that’s why Simon Harris was spotted camped out last week in the Dáil’s canteen where he attempted to sure up Independent votes.
After the Dáil voting process is complete, Simon Harris will then make his way to Áras an Uachtaráin where he will be formally appointed Taoiseach by President Micheal D. Higgins.
After this, Simon Harris is then expected to begin summoning his new Cabinet members before the Dáil begins again at 5pm.
It is expected that the new Cabinet members will be voted for and approved by the Dáil before it is adjourned at 7pm.
While Harris’ appointment as Taoiseach is a fairly straightforward process, what’s less certain yet is who he will place into ministerial roles.
Fine Gael has control of Enterprise, Public Expenditure, Social Protection, Higher Education, and Justice.
Harris leaving Higher Education to become Taoiseach frees up one of those ministerial roles for promotion, while Simon Coveney’s resignation as Minister for Enterprise opens another slot.
Harris will also promote a couple of backbenchers to junior minister roles. These will be confirmed at Cabinet tomorrow rather than in the Dáil today.
Our Political Editor Christina Finn reports that Harris is expected to place a renewed focus on the European affairs brief with someone he rates highly who can communicate major EU issues like security and migration at home.
Before he travelled to the Áras to hand in his resignation yesterday evening, Leo Varadkar gave his last media interview to RTÉ’s Six One News in which he defended his record in office and sought to highlight what he sees as his achievements.
He also said that Ireland had a positive economic outlook that is“the envy of Europe and the envy of the world”.
“Maybe we take it a bit for granted now – I don’t think we should – but it gives us the possibility to invest in health, housing, education to an extent that other countries can’t, we couldn’t in the past,” he said.
As his final hurrah, Varadkar is expected to make a farewell speech to the Dáil after 10am this morning to kick off the proceedings.
There’s international interest in Simon Harris’ appointment today.
The New York Times, trying to explain to an American audience how the Fine Gael leader will become the head of government, writes: “Mr. Harris was propelled to the leadership of Fine Gael by the surprise resignation of his predecessor, Leo Varadkar, last month. The party governs Ireland in coalition with two others, and Mr. Harris will become taoiseach (pronounced TEE-shock), or prime minister because of a quirk of the coalition arrangement rather than a reflection of any national public endorsement.”
The newspaper says that Simon Harris”has already been nicknamed the TikTok Taoiseach because of his enthusiastic posting on the social video app”.
“In one shaky selfie, he invites viewers to join him for a quick chat while out for a walk. A supercut overlaid with the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop” was posted this week, showing Mr. Harris holding babies and shaking hands while campaigning,” writes international correspondent Megan Specia from London.
“The videos can feel earnest and occasionally awkward. But there is an informality about them that may resonate with voters, analysts said.”
In addition to the Government parties, several Independent TDs have confirmed they will back Simon Harris as Taoiseach.
His election in the Dáil is still a point of contention for Opposition parties, however, who had called for a general election to decide the future of the country’s leadership.
In a statement this morning, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said that the public deserves a “chance to vote for change”.
“But thanks to six Independent TDs and two TDs who have lost the whip, the Government will prevent a knife-edge vote, prevent a general election, and get Simon Harris over the line,” Barry said.
Harris gave Fine Gael members a look at his priorities for his term as Taoiseach on Saturday at the party’s Ard Fheis in Galway.
He touched on issues like housing, farming, climate, security, migration and the upcoming local and EU elections.
“I promise we will deliver with a new energy. Now, let’s get to work,” he said.
Tonight, I outlined my vision and values for Fine Gael and the country.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 6, 2024
I promise to match that ambition with delivery.
You can read my full speech here: https://t.co/mkAFt2BmgZ pic.twitter.com/oqzJJrikFE
Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell has also criticised Independent TDs for pledging their support for Harris ahead of the Dáil sitting.
3 Galway Independents now voting for Simon Harris to be Taoiseach.
— Mairéad Farrell TD (@Farrell_Mairead) April 9, 2024
They are voting to continue this Gov's failed policies in housing & health, that are causing real hardship for people across Galway.
We need a General Election.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil, said a few brief words to media on his way into the Dáil:
“I want to wish Simon Harris the very best and I look forward to working with him in the aftermath of him being elected Taoiseach today.
“We’re very focused on the Programme for Government, on housing, on getting the planning bill through, the future funds bill through to protect for future pensions and health care costs.
“There’s a lot of work to be done over the next 12 months and we want to put people first and work hard for the people over the next 12 months.”
Gardaí have closed roads near Leinster House to traffic as politicians arrive at the Dáil.
On his way into the Dáil, Donegal TD Joe McHugh said he would like to see Simon Harris make changes to the mica redress scheme. He also said he wants to see progress on the road networks in the northwest.
McHugh, who previously resigned the Fine Gael parliamentary party whip, said Harris has invited him back to the party, as had Leo Varadkar beforehand.
Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh said that “as long as the new Taoiseach is in support of the Programme for Government, we’ll [the Greens] be happy to give him our support”.
As Fine Gael faces internal bickering over the future of the party, Ó Cathasaigh said he would not “engage in some of the narrative coming from the backbenches of Fine Gael” but focus on issues in the Programme for Government, including climate and biodiversity.
The Dáil proceedings are now commencing with Leo Varadkar addressing the chamber.
He says that being Taoiseach “has been the most fulfilling and rewarding time of my life”.
He offers “special thanks” to his constituents in Dublin West.
He also commended the work of the three-party coalition government and said it should serve as a model for future coalitions in Ireland and internationally.
Varadkar is touching on multiple policy areas that he sees as being crucial for Ireland’s future over the coming years, including health and security, as well as the need to reduce toxicity and “coarseness” in political discourse.
He recounts conversations that he has had as Taoiseach in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine with other European leaders about their fears of further aggression in Europe.
Varadkar says he hopes they are wrong but argues that Ireland’s neutrality is not enough to protect the country and that “we have to be prepared for the consequences of an attack on an EU country and how we would respond to that”.
Varadkar “always knew” Simon Harris would be Taoiseach, he says, adding though that it has come sooner than the younger TD might have expected – that draws a nod of agreement from Harris as Varadkar brings his remarks to a close.
“This is not, I assure you, a jamboree.”
Inspiring words from Cathaoirleach Seán Ó Fearghaíl as he pushes back on Opposition criticism of the Dáil proceedings.
Our Political Editor Christina Finn, who has a bird’s eye view of proceedings from the Dáil gallery, reports that Simon Harris’s family – his mum, dad and brother and sister arrived earlier and were greeted by the incoming Taoiseach.
His children were there also – “he gave a big kiss to his youngest”.
Harris’s back room team are also in the public gallery overlooking proceedings – they are seated next to Leo Varadkar’s outgoing team, Christina reports.
In the wake of Varadkar’s speech the Dáil called a vote on day’s agenda.
Harris moved back up to the distinguished guests section during the vote to chat to his family and children.
Pictured: Sinn Féin TDs watch Leo Varadkar make his remarks in the Dáil. Pearse Doherty turns to Mary Lou McDonald and shakes his head as Varadkar tries to set out reasons for the existing shortages in housing.
Here’s a clip for you now too on that “jamboree” debacle:
“It is not appropriate to describe the election of a Taoiseach as a jamboree”
— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) April 9, 2024
- Cathaoirleach Seán Ó Fearghaíl pushes back on Opposition criticism of the Dáil proceedings as Simon Harris is set to become the next Taoiseach. pic.twitter.com/rEYlj5b8HE
Morning, Rónán Duffy here for the next few hours as Simon Harris has his big moment in the Dáil.
It could be well over an hour before there’s an actual vote but there is a lot of formality to go through first, not least Harris being nominated.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for anything going on in the Dáil chamber, with our Political Editor Christina Finn in place in the gallery.
Heather Humphreys prompts laughs in the Dáil when she says that when she first saw Simon Harris in Leinster House she thought he was “a young lad walking around on a school tour.”
Both she and Harris were first elected in 2011.
“Imagine my surprise a few moments later, when I saw him standing up to nominate Enda Kenny as Taoiseach,” she says.
Onto the serious bit, she says:
I have served alongside Simon in three different Cabinets and I witnessed first-hand the qualities on the strengths that I know he would bring to the Office of Taoiseach. He is somebody who listens and works with people and he’s always willing to take on new ideas.
Junior Minister Peter Burke, who is being tipped for a move to Cabinet, seconds the proposal of Harris as Taoiseach.
“It is is a huge honor to have Simon’s wife, Caoimhe, to have his children Cillian and Saoirse here, they know what Simon is capable of. We know what Simon is capable of.”
Political Editor Christina Finn reports from Leinster House:
Laughter in Dail as Micheál Martin says listening to Varadkars ‘reflections’ on his time in government he wonders if a publication or book is on the cards, joking that he awaits it with ‘trepidation’.
An Tánaiste takes a few swipes at the opposition for their criticism of the election of harris.
“It is an unfortunate reality that much of the opposition has committed itself to a type of politics which is obsessed with fake outrage and attacking,” he says.
He adds that calls for a general election in the last while have been absurd. He says he was amazed by brazenness of largest opposition party Sinn Fein, criticises how they typically elect their party leader
Laughter in Dail as Eamon Ryan says ‘we’re only warming up’.
In a contribution that has a much angrier tone than those that have gone before, the Green Party leader engages in a strong defence of the government of which he is part.
Political Editor Christina Finn reports from Leinster House:
Sinn Fein members Eoin Ó Broin and Pearse Doherty hold their heads in their hands as Eamon Ryan says Darragh O’Brien has turned around housing. Quips from Sinn Fein tell minister to look at the homeless figures, while another SF TD can be heard telling Eamon ‘to go back asleep’.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald begins her speech by saying that this is a “great country” and that “real change” is needed.
When all is said and done, politics in the end is about choices and good politics is about making the right choices. Today, for the third time in four years, you present your choice for Taoiseach. For the third time you rearrange the Cabinet deckchairs for the third time in four years. You pat each other on the back and tell people what a great job you’re doing.
McDonald continues:
You pass the keys to the Taoiseach’s office one more time. But let’s be very clear about what’s happening today. This isn’t about what’s good for Ireland, this isn’t about what’s good for the people. It’s about what’s good for you.
“It’s your century old cozy club, circling the wagons once again, to cling to power at all costs. I believe that people of Ireland deserve so much better.”
Political Editor Christina Finn reports from Leinster House:
Harris’ family look on as Mary Lou McDonald lists the failures Harris stood over in Health, mentioning the promises made to children with scoliosis that they would be treated within four months – a promise she said was ‘disgracefully’ broken again and again.
She goes on to say that Harris continues to say, “I have your back”, but she says the people in their 30s in the box room of their parents don’t feel that.
‘You have Jonathan Dowdall’s back’ is heard being shouted from the FG backbenches.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik is up now and she’s lamenting what she sees as a lack of urgency among the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil- Green Party government.
Speaking about Simon Harris’ speech to his party Ard Fheis, she says
There’s a lot of talk about, ‘A New Energy’, it sounds like a Star Wars tagline. But where is that new energy in reality to deliver on housing, on health care and childcare, on climate action and workers rights and disability rights.
“Where is the drive the ambition, the courage to deliver the change that people really need to deliver in Ireland the true works.”
“Today’s vote we know is a foregone conclusion, but how the incoming Taoiseach uses his new position is key. This government cannot pretend that this is business as usual.”
Caris
Holly Cairns begins contribution by acknowledging Leo Varadkar’s dedication to public service and the sacrifices he and his partner have made, which she says deserves to be acknowledged.
On Varadkar’s final working day in the Dail as Taoiseach, Cairns was criticised by some for heavily criticising Varadkar during his last Leaders’ Questions.
Cairns then goes on to say that the “political will and determination” will be needed to “change course”.
“The state needs to stop outsourcing its responsibilities to the private sector.
essential public services like healthcare and disability services are fundamental human rights,” she says.
After a lengthy speech, Cairns of course confirms that the Social Democrats will not be supporting Harris’ nomination as Taoiseach.
“We want a new approach and for that we need to change the government,” she says.
You may have noticed that Simon Harris is wearing a purple rose pin today as he’s , as is Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
The rose is for 65 Roses Day, the National Fundraising Day for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
You can find out more about the charity here.
Richard Boyd-Barrett says he watched Harris’ Ard Fheis speech and heard that Harris rightly said he was repulsed by Netanyahu actions. However, the PBP TD pointed out that Fine Gael voted down a motion to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.
“Thanks for watching anyway,” Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe can be heard saying.
Political Editor Christina Finn reports from Leinster House:
Harris laughs along when PBP TD Mick Barry mentions the “you ain’t seen nothing yet” song that Harris used at the Ard Fheis, and suggests he should have used The Who song, ‘We won’t be fooled again” which ends with the line ‘meet the new boss, same as the old boss. ‘
“You should bring a turntable next time,” concludes Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíll.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD says what we’re seeing today “is the election of a caretaker Taoiseach.”
He goes through a catalogue of what he cites as being failures by Harris’, particularly as Minister for Health. Specifically, he mentions “the billions of overspend in the National Children’s Hospital” and hat he says was a failure to “meet with the nursing home sector” during the early days of Covid.
In a surprise turn of events, Danny Healy-Rae TD wants to propose his brother Michael Healy-Rae TD as an alternative Taoiseach to Harris.
He says his brother has “represented Kerry here in this chamber for many many years” and that he represents “a proper independent choice”.
Fine Gael’s Paul Kehoe TD, who is on a roll with the quips says: “You’d make a great Tanaiste, Danny.”
Mattie McGrath seconds the nomination of Michael Healy-Rae before going on to call for an election.
What it all means, basically, is that these independent TDs won’t be among those who support Harris as Taoiseach. He already has plenty on board anyway.
We now have successive independents standing up saying they will or will not be supporting Harris.
Don’t worry, we’re getting towards the meaty end of it soon.
And here we go! The Dáil is currently voting on the nomination of Simon Harris as Taoiseach.
We’re now into a roll call vote.
Each TD will be called in turn to say either Tá or Níl for Harris to be Taoiseach.
Clerk of the Dáil Peter Finnegan has now gone through each member. The votes are being checked.
We know what the result will be but it adds to the tension a touch.
There it is!
After the roll call vote, Simon Harris has been officially nominated by the Dáil by 88 votes to 69 to be the next Taoiseach.
He must now travel to Áras an Úachtaráin to be appointed as Taoiseach by President Michael D Higgins.
“This is very much a partnership government,” Harris says as he accepts the nomination.
He goes on to thank his predecessor Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney, who are both leaving Cabinet.
“Today is indeed a very special day for me. When I started campaigning on issues close to my heart and got involved in politics. I chose this life, but my family didn’t.”
“I promise to preside over a government committed to public service as a time when such commitment is so urgently required, I believe.”
“Today, Ceann Comhairle, I accept this new role in a spirit of humility, ready for the challenge.”
“This is a time of great challenge. It’s a time in the world where leadership matters. In Ukraine we see brave and courageous people standing firm against unprovoked foreign aggression. In Gaza, we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe and we are seeing innocent children women and men being starved and slaughtered. “
More from Harris:
Today, I sincerely promise to be a Taoiseach for all, no matter your political persuasion. I will work with you and for you and for the country that I know we all love. I will be a Taoiseach who will listen and my message is simple, I want to work every day to improve the lives of all in this country. Fueled by hope and driven by a vision of a better Ireland, I will provide a new leadership and a new energy. I intend to act decisively in the best interest of our people.
Harris speaking about history:
Going back centuries, our shared history is more than simply a narrative of oppression and resistance and the courageous triumph over adversity. It is a story about belief in each other, of faith in the future. The Irish story is a story of hope, a spirit of optimism sustained us in the darkest of days.
And today once again, we must ensure it lights our way forward. Let us not make the mistake of giving into pessimism and despair about our future.
With the speech over and party colleagues waiting outside, our new Taoiseach-elect emerges.
Political Editor Christina Finn got this shot, with the media a bit further back.
Harris poses for photographs outside Leinster House before he’s driven to Áras an Úachtaráin.
The X bio has been changed…..
Taoiseach-elect has now arrived at Áras an Úachtaráin where he will officially become Taoiseach after a meeting with President Michael D Higgins.
Harris will then travel back to Government Buildings where he will set about the job of selecting ministers.
Harris is the third Taoiseach of this current Dáil, following Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar, and even though there will be little change around the Cabinet table all ministers will need to reappointed under the new Taoiseach.
There are however two free spots to be filled at the Cabinet table, following Harris’ own elevation from Minister for Higher Education and the decision of Simon Coveney to step down as Minister for Enterprise.
Harris has received his seal of office from President Higgins and he now becomes Ireland’s newest Taoiseach.
Harris is now en route to Government Buildings to make his first decisions as Taoiseach by appointing his Cabinet.
At this point we’ll close this particular liveblog but will be beginning another for the latter part of the day, when those ministerial posts are revealed.
Thank you for joining us on this historic day, as Ireland got its youngest ever Taoiseach in the form of Wicklow TD and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris.
We voted FG out of office last election, they came third. FF ran on a pledge to not go into government with them. And NOBODY voted with the intention of simon ’18 other COVIDs’ becoming Taoiseach. We need an election to remove these undemocratic people from office.
@John Ennis: and SF didn’t run enough candidates to have a majority and knew full well before the election that no other parties would form a coalition with them. But of course only tell one side of the story.
@mark sheehan: but will they make same mistake twice,
Fgff must be very worried, when they use every opportunity to roar them down in the Dail,
Yet have taken many of their ideas on board. Now fgffgren new spin is we know we have failed but we are trying.
We haven’t met our targets, but we are trying, rte pulled the wool over our eyes, but we are sitting back and letting them, nearly a year on and no answers and the scandal keeps giving.
Meanwhile they say don’t mention the far right, as If they are suddenly going away, big money from the States backing them, and lots of sheep will follow, now listening to independents, as if they every offer anything substantial. Give me a break, we are heading down a path, that you will wish sinn fein were in power.
@John Ennis: eh no we didn’t. They were able to make a government. Others didn’t. SF didn’t have enough
@John Ennis: “we”? The people voted TDs into the Dail, and a majority of them voted for a Taoiseach. That’s how representative democracy works. I presume you’re a Shinner which explains your ignorance about Irish democracy.
@Pat Hazzard: while fg is slating sinn fein, I think Holly cairns, saying the exact same thing as sinn fein, might be a good choice for those undecided where to vote, clear and precise, and likable,
And intelligent.
@Andrew Donohoe: You call that a government? They have ruined this country and even though they cobbled together the numbers to get into power it went against the wishes of the majority who voted in 2020. What was it again that Micheal Martin said about FG before the last election…….and he then snaking into bed with them and them accepting it??? If someone spoke about me like that with such viciousness I’d cease niceties with them.
@John Ennis: a decent post. No ugly comments.thank you. I am sick of reading ugly , at times disgusting comments aimed at the government
You prove that an argument can be civilised.
@John Ennis: You’re utterly braindead. That is all.
@mark sheehan: and seeing how SF have turned out, thank God they didn’t. The downside is that now, there’s literally nobody to vote for that has any hope of forming a govt that isn’t far left
@John Ennis:
You need to go back to civics class.
The Dáil elects the Government.
The people elect the Dáil.
@John Ennis: Exactly, no one wants them, Varadkar or Harris.
But we don’t have an Opposition, SF are fake opposition holding up all the same policies.
@John Ennis: did I say that? Simply they were able to put together a govt while SF were not able to. It’s that simple, as much as we may not like it
That’s quite the rant. I’m simply stating they could form a govt with the numbers while SF could not
@Patricia Mc namara: Patricia,may I politely ask,
What do you consider ugly comments please. I have a child impacted by this governments policy, and have many friends who were promised by Simon Harris, that their children wouldn’t wait any longer than 4 months to have an operation. 5 years on many of these children’s health has deteriorated, substantially that an operation Is now no longer an option, and we hear nothing from children’s health Ireland, and that scandal.
So I can understand people’s frustration, with this dismal government.
@John Ennis: incorrect
@Roy Dowling: No shit Sherlock, Thanks for stating the obvious
@colette byrne: I doubt it!
@Roy Dowling: that’s would be the same for every party.
@chris gaffney: ???
For the sake of Ireland cancel his appointment and call an election, this is a huge mistake.
@Mr Inbetween: absolutely agree….let the public decide
@and the hit’s just keep coming: the public vote for TDs, not directly for Taoiseach.
@Pat Hazzard: If the public vote for a party candidate they are also voting for the leader of the party that candidate belongs to to become Taoiseach by default.
So if I vote for Helen McEntee I’m also voting for Simon Harris to be Taoiseach as he is the leader of her party.
@Mr Inbetween: And of you vote for an independent? Or your preferences go to various parties? What happens your ‘default’ vote for Taoiseach in those cases?? The system is: We vote for TDs. TDs vote for Taoiseach.
@Mr Inbetween: That’s how you think it works, it doesn’t. You, like so many on here, are utterly clueless as to how our parliamentary democracy works.
@Roy Dowling: Check their website there for yourself. Have you had time to reflect on FFG ruining this country primarily by neglecting housing and all the negative knock-on affects it has on society?
When you get back to me we can then discuss the disaster that is our Health service and after that we can discuss why FFG never explained their immigration policy to us. Cheers man.
@Ian: So if I vote for Helen McEntee and FG win the election does that not mean Simon Harris automatically becomes Taoiseach? Isn’t it always the party with the most seats who call the new Taoiseach? If its a coalition the biggest party in said coalition nominate the Taoiseach. The 2020 election is the only one in living memory that was so close that they came up with the power sharing half taoisigh which let’s face it was a disaster.
@Roy Dowling: I’m not trying to encourage anything, the fact is that (and I know you know this ) FFG have ruined our country with possibly the worst government in our history, SF have never been in power and have excellent policies. FF’s main policy in 2020 was attacking FG on housing, housing is now worse than ever. FG promised to abolish USC but they never did. So FFG promised they’d fix this country but they didn’t which means their policies don’t work. I think it’s time for change and that squarely means sacking FFG and giving SF the chance to prove themselves, it beats another 5 years of FFG any day of the week.
@Roy Dowling: They don’t have any!!
Why have you not reported about Michael mcnamara not being let on Katie Hannon’s upfront last night , afraid he might ask a few difficult questions ! The government and their puppets rte still trying to control the narrative on their failed immigration policy and only having lackies that support their mess of a position
@Soft Borders: Now now. Don’t be Far Right! It seems anyone who doesn’t agree with this con job of a governments policies are far right? 90% of the people must be far right at this stage!
For the sake of the flailing credibility of democracy in Ireland, you would imagine it should be a resounding no for Simon with no qualifications for anything.
In the UK in 2019 a man called Boris Johnson won a general election and became PM. He is long gone and was replaced by Liz Truss. She is long gone and was replaced by Rishi Sunak. In Ireland in the 2020 election a party called Fine Gael won 21% of the first preference vote but today gets to rotate the office of Taoiseach. In both countries this is the complete opposite of democracy and stinks.
Anyone up for a game of musical chairs ?
All the charisma of Mr Burns…excellent!!!!
@Spartacus Ireland: Reminds me of Pee Wee Herman.
Anyone who votes for Simon to be Taoiseach should not get a vote in the general election. But let’s start by giving FFG nominated candidates in the local elections a no vote and the same for European election. The lies and election promises started already. Hit the ground running. What the hell were they doing all along. Instead of electing Simon let’s have an election instead. Combine all the elections into one day.
People need to remember next time we go to the polls that after they choose their first vote, they do not have to keep going 2,3,4 etc., this is how these clowns get in on 2nd,3rd counts and transfer votes.
@Lydia Mcloughlin: yes that is the best way, and go and vote. No transfers, For main parties.
@Lydia Mcloughlin: 100%. The voting system should be taught in schools. The amount of people who think you have to give everyone a preference vote is staggering
@Lydia Mcloughlin: wow, they’re finally learning how our electoral process works. First off, SF will need to run more candidates. can’t vote down the way if they’re so conservative they have no running mates
@Lydia Mcloughlin: you what now? No transfers for some, but for others? Are you mental? You can’t be at that
@Andrew Donohoe: you can vote how you like, it will wipe many independents out first count, get rid of those who hold this government up at every vote. Then no one will get in on 15th and 22nd votes.
@Lydia Mcloughlin: you can’t have one rule for one, and different rules for others in the same election.
Candidates get in at the later counts due to the transfers. It’s literally how PR-STV works. You can have this both which ways. It’s the people voting who ahve the say, no matter what count it goes to
@Lydia Mcloughlin: I believe that’s how Simon, Leo and Michael all got in the last time around…… Will lessons be learned I wonder.
@Lydia Mcloughlin: yes they got in using our parliamentary electoral system, and bringing running mates with them. Unlike SF. Didn’t work out for many running mates, but it was a worthwhile risk as the votes transfer across and at the end of the day the count number isn’t an issue no matter how many it takes and how much it might annoy you
Immigration, Housing, Health , Education and much more failed by these so called public servants.
I would love an elected Dail, which actually serves the ppl of Ireland and not the narrative set by others.
I’m tired of all the BS and soundbites please even if they tackle one thing and be successful at it that’s a start.
FF, who let’s remember lost confidence in Simon and brought down previous government, are now seemingly happy for him to ascend to Taoiseach. Spineless.
Best of luck to him.
They have stolen my dreams. Harris please go away.
Not a fan of him or his party but wish him all the best. If he does jos job well it’ll be good for all of us.
@Brian Dunne: you don’t actually believe that he will do the job well? ….Do you ?!
@John Manahan: I wished him well and i hope he does the job well. Whether he does or not is beyond my scope.
@Brian Dunne: Not a very wide scope to be fair
@Ronan McGrath: ok chief
@Brian Dunne: How did he do as Health Minister ?
@Jp Cleary: just let me be clear, im not defending him at all. I’ve said im notba fan, im simply wishing him good luck as its in all our interests that he does a good job.
@Brian Dunne: That’s not how it works around here, Brian. No reasonable comments allowed. You need to call him a traitor, a loser and a failure, and if you don’t do that, then you need to call someone else a traitor, loser and failure
@Jp Cleary: well if you think you can do a better job than why aren’t you not in politics
@Fiona Wyse: Well said!
Well Ireland was freezing most of March as usual but it was wetter.
Make Ireland Great Again.
The nation holds it’s breath… Yes we’re STILL there..
Typical of government, they show no respect of other party’s and leave dail chamber when others speaking, they should be made stay, while discussions are on going.
God, this is depressing
Wont be missed good bye ,mess you caused well you and this government. You be ok tough still get weekly pension top to top up fat bank account already have. Country alot worst then was before you had job
@martin finnegan: He won’t get a pension until he reaches Pension Age of 65/66.
Should he choose to not run in the next election, he’ll receive a taxable severance package equal to 14 months salary, 2 months paid up front and the rest paid monthly.
Not denying he’ll get a good pension come retirement, his salary was high therefore so would have been the contributions (and it’s better then most) but none of it is available until retirement age.
Different clown but it’s going to be the same circus act !!
I don’t believe for a second that Harris is the right person for the job (even if he turns out to be a good organiser of FG’s own people and resources). But we do not elect governments, ministers or Taoiseachs/Tanaistes by voting. Those positions are decided by the aggregate total of our votes. We decide who is President directly. It is a parliamentary democracy and the Dail makes these decisions. I still prefer this system to electing a president who themselves appoint a cabinet of unelected people.
Its all ok. Simon will get his extra pension. The rest leaving and not contesting next election will get the big pensions and also the lump sum payment/extra golden handshake. Not like the private sector where you get a bare pension and No handshake at all. Great Country with no accountability at the top. Very wrong decisions that cost the people not only financially but health wise also. Childrens hospital location and cost
. Its all wrong. Its a pity as in reality it is a great country but unfortunately we have too many muppets. We do have good people on all sides but they are not making their voices heard.
3rd Taoiseach to get a super high pension while the old age pension is below the standard of living Good Old Ireland forget those who made this Country and give these three gobshits a big going away pension SHAME ON YOU.
3rd zTaoiseach
“We’re only warming up.” Hahaha, now I know what it is. Eamon Ryan is a cold blooded animal and needs to bask in the sun before he is able to move. But because the weather has been so atrocious, climate change, he can’t. Now I get it.
Who would be the best person for the job? They are all insane!
Fair play to Holly Cairns for grasping the occasion , and being magnanimous. Contrast with Pearse Doherty contribution on the news , just attack, attack and condescending, wasn’t able to say a kind word to the youngest T and son of a taxi driver . When SF just attack and don’t give an honest appraisal of what has been achieved in the last decade , people just switch off , SF needs to re-arrange the chairs if it wants to progress .
He’s so good for this job as he did crap as minister of health building the most expensive hospital in Europe that still unfinished. Well done to the 96 who put him in.
@Clau O’Riordan: what do you expect from a lad who thought recovery room was a place to do upholstery
A wonderful day was had by all, the weather was fine, the style was in and everyone was generally positive. The future is bright and you simon are the right man in the right place at the right time. As the song goes, Eamon and Micheál are “the men behind the bar”(few gargles n toasties)
Excerpt from Eamonn Ryan’s new Book “The dreams of Eamonn, an interpretation” Vol 1.
Paul Kehoe! My lord is he absolutely useless!
Re the last photo of Harris with the President. The new Taoiseach and cabinet ministers only receive their seals of office for a few minutes from the President. After official photos are taken, the President then locks the seals into a bomb-proof safe. Not even the CIA or M15 know the combination numbers.
@Garreth Byrne: Must be the same safe Little Mickey keeps his ‘Jack the Lad’ mags.
have your say