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Simon Harris’s first venture into the world of campaigning was as a teenager.
In 2002, he spoke to the RTÉ ‘Open House’ programme about an autism awareness charity he had set up, Triple A Alliance.
The 15-year-old Simon Harris spoke about his brother, Adam, who is autistic, and outlined to presenter Mary Kennedy the challenges families like his face.
“Unfortunately, the diagnostic process in this country is appalling. You drag people through hospitals and from one doctor to another,” he explained.
He was commended by co-host Marty Whelan who described him as an “incredible articulate young man”.
Some watching may well have speculated that this young man from Wicklow was eyeing up a career in politics.
Few would have predicted however that he would walk through the gates of Leinster House as an elected member just nine years later at the age of 24.
Big ambition
He was a young TD with big ambition, who was rather bemused by people’s focus on his age. But he knew how to play it to his advantage.
“I suppose because I’m the youngest person in there, there’s a bit of a novelty value around it…. No, it’s not intimidating. I think it gives me a platform really,” he told reporters outside.
His political work started a few years prior to that, as an assistant to Frances Fitzgerald. She has been described by many as an early mentor to Mr Harris.
“I was leader of the opposition in the Seanad in 2007. He applied for a job with me and I remember I met him in Buswells Hotel and immediately hired him,” Frances Fitzgerald recalls.
“He was just so interested in politics and interested in Fine Gael… highly intelligent. He really wanted the job.”
He also had a humbleness about him, she adds.
“He is always open to learning from people, and very appreciative of other people.”
In 2011, Simon Harris made his maiden speech in the Dáil, to nominate Enda Kenny as Taoiseach.
“We need a Taoiseach determined to restore stability, credibility and hope to this country,” he boldly exclaimed.
A bold move
The former journalism student was elevated to Minister of State in 2014, with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.
Two years later, he became the youngest ever Minister for Health, at the age of 29.
It was a bold move by then Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Leo Varadkar, who had held the portfolio before Mr Harris, was moved to the Department of Social Protection.
He was making strides in his personal life too. In 2018, celebrities and cabinet members gathered for his wedding in Wicklow.
He married his long-term partner, Caoimhe. Today they have two children.
His popularity was on the rise that year, as he also spearheaded the referendum to repeal the 8th amendment.
Upon a decisive win for the yes campaign, Mr Harris spoke from the stage at Dublin Castle to a supportive crowd, when he delivered the memorable quote: “Under the 8th amendment we said to women in crisis, take the boat or take the plane, today we say take our hand.”
Fading fortunes
But the honeymoon of popularity soon began to fade.
Like all health ministers, Mr Harris had several controversies to contend with.
Among them was the CervicalCheck crisis, his handling of which was criticised by many at different points. In 2019, there was also a nurses’ strike.
His failure to fully disclose the cost of the Children’s Hospital undermined political support and saw a no-confidence motion placed in him in February of that year.
During a debate on the motion, his constituency rival and eventual cabinet colleague Stephen Donnelly told Mr Harris that while Fianna Fáil would be abstaining on the motion due to the confidence and supply agreement, the party also did not have confidence in him.
“We don’t have confidence now. We didn’t have confidence last year when the waiting lists and trolley counts broke all records and we will not be voting confidence in this minister,” Mr Donnelly defiantly told the Dáil.
Just over a year later they would both enter a coalition government.
Mr Harris survived that motion of no confidence. But in early 2020, a group of independents planned on tabling another no-confidence motion in him.
The vote however never happened, as the Taoiseach called a general election, which was soon followed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Simon Harris was caretaker health minister in extraordinary times, but was also praised by some for his handling of the crisis, particularly for his communications skills.
His popularity in opinion polls increased.
Remaining relevant
The formation of a coalition with Fianna Fáil and the Greens saw Simon Harris moved to the newly-formed portfolio of Further and Higher Education.
The department rarely found itself in the headlines, but Mr Harris managed to remain relevant and was noted for his media savviness, gaining a significant following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
He became Minister for Justice in late 2022 for a temporary period, when Helen McEntee went on maternity leave. Rather than play a passive role, he took a hands-on approach.
Throughout his time in Cabinet, he has been said to have maintained close contact with party colleagues and grassroot members.
All with an eye on someday getting the top job.
It may have come sooner than he had expected.
But it appears to have always been the long-term ambition of Simon Harris.
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