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TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS has defended appearing on Ryan Tubridy’s podcast saying that he does not feel it is bad taste given the manner of the broadcaster’s departure from RTÉ.
Harris is the first guest on the second season of Tubridy’s podcast On The Bookshelf, in which the guests discuss their favourite books and the influence of books on their lives.
Since leaving RTÉ, Tubridy now hosts a daily show on Virgin Radio in London which is also broadcast on Q102. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Daily Mail on Sunday.
RTÉ was plunged into crisis in June last year after it admitted understating the fees for its star presenter and previous top-earner Tubridy.
The fallout from the controversy has led to cash-strapped RTÉ facing a deepening funding crisis and a plan for 400 job cuts.
Asked by reporters yesterday why he had agreed to be a guest on the podcast in those circumstances, Harris said “because he asked me to”.
Asked does he think appearing on the podcast is in bad taste in light of the job cuts, Harris said: “No I don’t.”
Speaking on the podcast itself, Harris told Tubridy that he does not intend to move into Farmleigh as it would be “very disruptive” for his children, but he can “see it happening in the future”.
It comes following a series of incidents of alleged harassment at his family home in Co Wicklow in recent months, including a hoax bomb threat.
Gardaí arrested a man over the hoax threat in August.
It has raised questions on whether Harris should move to a location with heightened security. The Journal understands that armed gardaí were deployed to protect the Taoiseach’s house in the wake of an increased threat.
While there is no official residence for holders of the office of Taoiseach, Steward’s Lodge on the Farmleigh estate has been used by taoisigh for various reasons in the past.
However, Harris has said he has no intention of moving there.
Harris told the podcast host that the incidents at his home were a “form of intimidation and harassment”.
“I think it’s done to unsettle and unnerve people, and I think it’s done by people to let you know that they know where you live.”
Asked by Tubridy about the possibility for an official Taoiseach’s residence, Harris said: “This has been put to me on occasion.
“The challenge for me – apart from loving Greystones – is that my kids are of an age where one has just started in the local school, and it would be very disruptive.
I don’t know where the future brings us in relation to this but I can see it happening in the future.
Harris said he did not imagine that Irish people would be unsupportive of such a measure, but added: “It’s not something that I’m intending to do.”
During the episode, Harris also speaks about how he “gorged on books” as a child and raised money for MS Ireland by getting sponsored for the Readathon.
The episode is also expected to feature the conflict in Gaza and a gift he received from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The premise of Tubridy’s podcast involves asking guests to bring in three books: a cherished childhood book, a book which brought them to tears, and a book which changed their life.
Harris identified Patrick Radden Keefe’s Say Nothing as the book that made him cry.
“This book did make me cry within the first few pages, because it is a book that tells the story of the Troubles, particularly the Jean McConville abduction.”
The mother-of-10 was taken from her home in west Belfast in December 1972. Her remains were found by a walker in August 2003 on a beach in Co Louth.
“She was 38 years of age. She was abducted, murdered and then disappeared. Body buried. Disappeared, taken from her kids by the IRA and killed in the Troubles,” Harris said.
Promotional material for the episode also shows two other books in front of Harris.
These are David McKittrick’s book about the Troubles, Lost Lives, as well as Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, in which the lead character is widely regarded as an autistic boy – although this is not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Harris has attributed his campaigning for better school facilities for his autistic brother as his entry into public life.
The episode will be released tomorrow.
With reporting from Press Association
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two blueshirts
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: What is another term for hate. Constant abuse maybe. ? Intelligent Political arguments are a better option
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Narrow reference
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Harris’s shirt is more lilac to be fair …
@Ciaran: tubs family has a strong republican and fianna fáil heritage. He also has a Sinn Féin TD first cousin. No blueshirt there my friend
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Twins
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Three, if you count me ;)
@donal O’brien: Who left Fianna Fáil and joined Sinn Féin.
@socheallaigh: Who was the first leader of Fine Gael? You see, not narrow at all. Fine Gael can’t own their history because they are ashamed of it, why did they attempt to stop a play about the Blue-Shirts yet the likes of you will Sinn Féin for the conflict in the north despite Sinn Féin apologising for attacks by the IRA that killed innocent victims. No apology for sending the Blue-Shirts to Spain to oust the democratically elected popular front government. Did you see what I’m saying,it appears that your views are narrow when it comes to Fine Gael.
@thomas molloy: Who was the first leader of Fine Gael in fact how were Fine Gael formed, Cumann Na nGhaedhael, the Centre Party, otherwise known as the farmers party and the National Guard otherwise known as the Blueshirts so you’re claim is foolish at best. Nothing to with far right fools who boycott outside ministers homes or ring in bomb threats, that is something completely different and rightfully criticised. You’re bringing up a non-issue. Tubridy had to leave the Republic because of his behaviour and Harris goes on his show, yeah, how that wouldn’t cause offence is strange to me.
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: two fooking sac’s
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Ryans family is FF, but two democrats.
@Brian D’Arcy:
Blue Shirts founded by A Chief of Staff of the IRA and former Commender of 6 counties Bragade F the IRA.
@H Woo: the man was also a monaghan footballer, commissioner of An Garda Siochána, president of the Olympic Committee of Ireland and ‘confirmed bachelor’ ie a homosexual. A man of many parts
@donal O’brien: ff and fg all the one now except in name
I think it’s only right that whoever is attacking his home be named and shamed, I’ve no time or respect for the government considering everything that’s going on but that’s his home with his young family and people should respect that personal and private boundary.
@Maire Hicks: his policies are destroying other peoples lives, peaceful protest outside his home is a nice reminder who he works for. This stuff never used to happen, only happening now due to government strategy.
@Freda Peeple: you are 100 % right but I’m not talking about peaceful protests I’m talking about the ones outside his home wearing balaclavas, why the need for them, what are they hiding? Genuine people don’t need to wear them.
@Freda Peeple: People’s homes should be left alone. Your view is a recipe for thuggery and intimidation, including of children (because we know the kind of people who would be involved), and for degradation of our whole democratic process. When that is gone, what will replace it?
It isn’t happening because of ‘government strategy’ (there would always have been some excuse for it). It’s happening because that the way the world is going, sadly.
@Freda Peeple: if you fk up in work do you have people outside your home…..if you work?
@Brendan O’Brien: In all of human history was there ever a period where the human conscious perceived the passage of time as improving existence? ’cause I don’t see it… Have to wonder why that is? especially considering how much longer we live and how much richer we are, 65% of people in Ireland own a house.
@Joe Beirne: I’d be sacked if I did a fraction of fk ups that he has overseen. No accountability whatsoever, and his actions affect millions unlike my job, if I built a defective house and walked away saying lessons will be learnt id have been angry clients outside my house yes.
@Brendan O’Brien: Ahh it is Brendan, even in the depths of recessions the public never felt compelled to seek out politicians houses, this is bigger than even that imo.
@Freda Peeple: yeah then where are all the people with pyrite problems going to the government, cos those fkn builders gave them the two fingers. It’s great being able to throw stones but your line of work is full of the same ilk as is mine but if anyone came to my door they’d be leaving in a fkn ambulance. As I say, it’s not appropriate for people to protest on the man’s doorstep, he’s got young kids ffs
@Freda Peeple: as it’s Freda, who believes that it’s acceptable for people in balaclavas to protest outside politicians homes, even if their young children are at home. Who believes in the great replacement theory. Who says it’s a good thing that Coolock Says No have partnered with loyalist paramilitaries as “we have to protect the white Irish”. But, hilariously, “she” gets upset when she is called out as being far right. What is it you lot say “ooh they’re using hurty words about me”. If the cap fits, wear it
@Freda Peeple: ah so you are one of the “peaceful protest” brigade … this is why other countries have state homes political figures live in. Maybe we should spend some money buy some lovely gated homes for our ministers then if that’s your attitude ..
@Kevin Kerr: Don’t assume my gender please Kevin, I prefer to live as an androgynous blob. Sounds like you where holding in that whinge all weekend. Not healthy
@Ciaran: They should get one of the prefab huts each in clonmel or Thornton hall. Massive security there to keep them safe surrounded by their new voters.
@Thesaltyurchin: I think it’s fair to say that one can observe, based on factual evidence, the shambolic performance of political parties over a period of time.. The house ownership rate you cite is down from 78% in 2007 and homeless figures in that same period are up 12,000 or so.. Trying to mash those facts in with ‘ all of human history’ and things you haven’t seen is such a facile comment to make.
@Freda Peeple: private homes are just that, PRIVATE. Demonstrate outside work place, if you feel the need to demonstrate.
@Freda Peeple: protests outside people’s homes are happening because of far right thuggery spewing hate and lies online and encouraging a vigilante approach to politics that has no place in a democratic society. Vote them out if you don’t like their policies and peacefully protest outside the Dáil when necessary but intimidation and harassment of political candidates or representatives at home or anywhere really is reprehensible.
@Sandra: Yes I agree with you, protesting outside a politicians home is wrong and won’t achieve much, however there are thousands of people in this country who are at breaking point, actually throughout Europe this is the case, hence the rise of the right everywhere. All down to liberal damaging policies destroying the nations of Europe, Harris et al should recognise and react to it before it’s too late, I think we have passed that point though.
@Freda Peeple: they beat his cat ffs. Enough already
@Patricia Mc namara: yeah private homes and shouldn’t be fooking taxed!!!!
@Brian: Well thats fair, re political parties, I’m not sure anyone could argue (except the parties themselves) that they have done even an adequate job tho I stand by the assertion that we’re an inherently negative people.
@Freda Peeple: Nonsense. A person’s home should be left alone. Protest outside the Dáil or his constituency office if you feel strongly enough. .
@Maire Hicks: 100% correct. It goes against all common decency.
@Freda Peeple: they should be arrested and beaten off the streets. Hooded gangsters.
@Maire Hicks: If that’s the case why are the Garda wearing them at protests Marie?
They are very comfortable together talking with no conflict of interest whatsoever, not at all never
@N D K: An unfortunate photo for Mr. Harris, literally the most unpopular person in the country atm. This is the image he should have been trying to avoid.
@Thesaltyurchin: ah, just birds of a feather come to mind
@Thesaltyurchin: he’s the most popular political leader at the moment what are you talking about it.. look at the latest polls ….
@Ciaran: And hows the other chap doing?
@Thesaltyurchin: considering the circumstances, Mr Harris is doing a more than decent job.
‘with’ the missing preposition. Apologies for misleading you both
Tubrity might be joining the celebrity branch of FFG and running in the next election along with jockeys dancers and boxer’s etc
Tubridy was given 150k in taxpayers money for work he never did and admits he shouldn’t have it but as of yet has not repaid it.
That alone is reason why nobody in the Irish government should have any interaction with him unless it’s to receive the money back.
Horrendously poor judgment from Simon Harris.
@Rochelle Hart: remember his cousin that was head of GOAL and had to stand down? How did that investigation go?
Has Harris no pr adviser.
@thomas molloy: Tubrity is FFG pr man. That why he got his snout in the trough.
@thomas molloy: he actually has 4 of them.
tubridy wants back in,nobody knows him in London
As yet again, we deflect from the topic, Simon doesn’t see a problem. well, isn’t that the whole problem with him.
Tubs walked away with 150,000 of tax payers money with no shame. Simon says his time in exile is paid off, and we can welcome him back because, as we well know, there is no accountability from Simon or his party. Sure, it’s only 150.000
Pittance. Wonder, did they speak about Dee, who is so sick she lost her voice. Couldn’t even do a zoom call. Taking joe public for mugs.
Two muppets right there!
Tone deaf, not only do people have to pay the TV licence but we pay ghough the exchequer along with bailing out RTÉ. Not all down to Tubridy but a significant part of it, just like Joe Duffy and his fake company, which a lot at RTÉhad and still seem to have. Nothing has changed at RTÉ bar ordinary workers getting laid off by them.
I don’t see the problem with this. I have more of an issue with scoliosis waiting times, hse performance, gov inability to control budgets than a piece that shows a bit of the human person behind the job.
If I recall Tubridy owes rte 150k for work he didn’t do. We would have heard from him if he had paid it back so onecan conclude the silence about this means he has not done so. So YES bad taste
From our head of government.
What does tell you I will tell you it Means they don’t give a fannys aunt what the public say, this guy should a have tag
Absolutely tone deaf from Harris to in any way appear on a show/podcast where the presenter has only recently being involved in a financial scandal. Do these people honestly have any basic empathy at all towards their electorate.
Simon, Did you ask Ryan when is he going to pay the 150k back?
IS he a fan of “Cooking the books!” by any chance?
Won’t be listening. Pr disaster following on varadker pr disaster. You’d have to wonder who agreed to this. The mconville/sf comment, mmmm. Unnecessary, unproductive.
When you look the two of them in the eye there are two of a kind haven’t one bit of comparison between them
Political cast. Lobbies corrupt
Part of the socialist populist agenda
@Hugo Martinez: Ha ha ha hilarious.
Poorly advised
Two of a kind, just made up my mind as to who to vote for
Two peas in a pod
@Tom L: two peas in a urinal
Like doppelganger.
It seems Simon and marylou have the same gift for not reading the room.
Wonder if vinny browne was in his prime would the FG spice boys like Harris, leaky and the rest be quick to jump on a podcast with them. They would cry all the way back to the ivory tower after the first 5 mins
Jedward with sticky fingers.
Two clowns.
Sort of amusing that the first book mentioned that made him cry “within the first few pages” was a book that could (quite understandably) be used to beat SF with. Never not politicking is young Simon! He has similar instincts to Varadkar but is more at ease relating to other human voters.
No shame, shameless, nothing creatures.
Disgusting, did he give Harris the money he promised to pay back. This is obviously a prelude to Tubridy been brought back into the RTE bandwagon. Simon Harris has rubber-stamped the White Collar Corruption at RTE. His faux outrage is show, as proved by meeting the person responsible for the scandal. Nobody held accountable, nobody held responsible, nobody investigated by Gardai or Revenue, no answers & everyone walked away with mega Exit Packages, Pensions & NDA’s. Simon rewarded the lies at RTE with nearly a Billion Euro bailout, rewarding lies & corruption, well done Simon. Simon & his cronies are now going to give powers to Councils to break into your home & seize smoky fuels. Tip for you Simon, bring the body bags when you come knocking on my door or kicking my door in.
Mary Muslim Lou tell us where the bodies are please.
Say Nothing is a great book. They have turned it into a TV show which will be on FX soon.
Lol!
Looking for a few votes
There is a huge prank being played on irish workers. WT F
Did you ask for our money back no of course you didn’t he’s part of the club
Storm in a teacup
They both look very unhealthy.
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