Harris to outline priorities for FG as new party leader

Simon Harris is expected to outline his key priorities for Fine Gael at an event in Athlone later today, where he will officially become the party’s new leader.

He is expected to state that Fine Gael needs to refocus on a policy agenda of enterprise, equality of opportunity, integrity and security.

The remarks will be made at the Fine Gael selection convention for the Midlands-North West constituency for the European Parliament.

It is understood that Mr Harris will not be making any final decisions on Cabinet appointments until the Dáil returns on 9 April.

However, it is known that Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will be the Fine Gael deputy leader in the shake-up.

Supporters of Simon Harris have been saying in recent days that he will tilt Fine Gael back towards its traditional base.

It is expected he will stress that while a strong economy is critical, it must also deliver for business people, workers and farmers – and they must see how that progress provides a future for their children.

A major objective for Mr Harris will be to explain how he intends to prioritise supporting families, small businesses, law and order, making work pay, and education.

On security, a long-standing policy focus for Fine Gael, Mr Harris will articulate that it does not just mean security as a nation but also for individuals and for families – whether that means people buying their own homes, receiving care when they need it or an improved health service.

He will say that Fine Gael, under his leadership, will fight against what he terms “the populism of empty promises and deliberate polarisation” while at the same time the party resets, reconnects and renews its commitment to the public.

Yesterday, Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands-North West constituency Colm Markey said that he will not bid to hold his seat in the the European Parliament elections in June.

He said that he was withdrawing his name from the selection convention in Athlone today.

Former jockey and businesswoman Nina Carberry confirmed her intention to run for Fine Gael in recent days, and the party’s other sitting MEP in the constituency, Maria Walsh, is also in the race.