Louth Senator early supporter of Minister Harris

Louth based Senator John McGahon, was one of Minister Harris’s early endorsers last Thursday as Fine Gael TD’s and Senators announced their support for a new leader of the Fine Gael party.

It followed the announcement by Leo Varadkar last Tuesday that he was stepping down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.

Simon Harris declared his candidacy for the Fine Gael leadership when he received support from over half of those present at the parliamentary party meeting held by Fine Gael last week,

Speaking to LMFM at 8am last Thursday morning, Senator McGahon said “I first met Simon in 2008 at a Young Fine Gael Summer School event in Carlingford, we have been friends for over 15 years and have served alongside each other in the Oireachtas for the last four years.”

Sharing his views on Minister Harris' performance to date, Senator McGahon said: “I look at Simon's record as a TD and a Minister and it’s clear that he was able to consistently deliver.

“Both as a Junior Minister in the Department of Finance, leading our country through the initial dark days of Covid as Health Minister and more recently, putting a huge push on the importance apprenticeships as Minister for Higher Education.”

The Fine Gael Senator continued: “As Minister for Higher Education, Simon has been extremely supportive of DkIT and its mission for university status, he is also a big supporter of the regional skills training centre on the Coes Road and visited it recently to see the important work they are doing to increase and promote apprenticeships.

“I believe that this chance of leadership will bring a moment of renewal and an opportunity to reconnect with people right across the country.

“I think Simon will focus on what we can get done between now and the end of term, which is March 2025 and how Government can deliver for people.”

Senator McGahon added, “Simon has a huge amount of ability, energy and determination and I know he will take that with him into the role of Taoiseach. He has achieved so much in each of his Government roles and I know he will be able to do the same as Taoiseach.”

He concluded, “this is an exciting time for Ireland, our youngest Taoiseach to date, with all the energy and enthusiasm of youth, coupled with the experience and ability that serving in three Government Departments has yielded.”