New Taoiseach: ‘A man in tune with his people’, Senator Joe O’Reilly

The grass won't grow under his feet.

Simon Harris was elected Taoiseach this afternoon after a whirlwind couple of weeks in Irish politics. Much is expected from the 37-year-old minister who has been in the political arena since his early 20s.

Senator Joe O’Reilly, however, is very optimistic about Minister Harris' election to the top job in Ireland.

“Simon Harris has committed himself to building 250,000 homes over the next five years so he has a big focus on housing. He wants to increase supply. He has also agreed to a package for small businesses to help with the increasing costs and challenges they are facing and he has also pledged to help farmers with their challenges,” he added.

Meanwhile, regarding Fine Gael’s ‘reset’, Senator O’Reilly believes this is evident as Simon Harris garners a renewed focus on core values - home ownership, small businesses, agriculture - and put money back in people’s pockets through taxation.

“He is a person of huge energy with great interpersonal skills and very empathic too,” continued the Senator. “He is a man of his word; a doer; and one who never lets the grass grow under his feet. I think that Fine Gael and Simon Harris is very in tune with the electorate. Housing is a huge issue for people at the moment and Simon Harris has initiated the focus that will be on supply and in the provision of accommodation for students and young people.

“I think Fine Gael recognises the basic needs of people at the moment and Simon Harris has laid out the short term objectives and the long term goals which include housing supply; farmers and small businesses; and law and order to mention but a few.

And will there be a major cabinet reshuffle on the back of the Taoiseach’s election? Yes, says Senator O’Reilly. “I think there will be a significant reshuffle because he will want to create a fresh, new team to lead him into the next General Election. I am also extremely happy that Heather Humphreys is going to be the new deputy leader of the party. It is great for the people of Cavan and Monaghan and indeed the people of this country.

“She has injected a lot of money into our communities which is very much appreciated. It is good to have a dynamic woman like Heather in this role. She is also an effective advocate for rural Ireland and all small towns and villages on this island. I think we can be collectively proud of Heather Humphreys in Cavan and Monaghan.