ronan fagan
The Sheraton Athlone Hotel provided the backdrop for a new chapter in the history of Fine Gael on Sunday afternoon, as Simon Harris was elected unopposed as the political party’s new leader.
Describing his election to the role as “the honour of my life”, the new leader spoke at great length to those in attendance, taking time to reflect and noting that it was time for the Fine Gael party to “reset” to focus upon the “fundamental values which have served the nation well”.
“In March 2011, I nervously got to my feet in Dáil Éireann and delivered my maiden speech and on that day, I was honoured to nominate Enda Kenny as Taoiseach. Back then, I could never have imagined standing here today as the new leader of Fine Gael.
“Since 2011, when Enda brought hope to a battered country, we have all soldiered together to rebuild Ireland’s economy and reputation so that enterprise and opportunity could flourish once again,” Harris said.
The new leader referenced his party’s achievements in Government, but firmly asserted the challenges that await as Fine Gael looks towards the future.
“Just look at all that has been achieved since Fine Gael returned to Government - from unemployment to full employment; from a budget deficit to a budget surplus; a more equal Ireland and progress on affordable childcare and universal health care. I believe in public service and the power of politics to make a difference and to make people’s lives better,” Harris remarked.
The incoming Taoiseach noted that it was time for Fine Gael to “reset, reconnect and renew their commitment to the electorate”, outlining a number of the political party’s core values.
“Under my leadership, Fine Gael stands for supporting businesses, especially small businesses, making work pay, supporting education and educational pathways for all, ensuring streets are safe and crime never allowed go unchecked and helping farmers to transition and meet the challenges of food security and climate change,” the Taoiseach elect stated.
Noting that he was going to “bring energy and renewal to Fine Gael”, Harris stated that Ireland was “ a great country and we should never allow people to talk it down”.
“Fine Gael, working with our partners in Fianna Fáil and the Green party, has now built a solid base upon which we can once again meet challenging times with hope and determination. We have protected our economy. This gives us the strength to tackle the deficits in our society.
“I want young people to believe in their future in Ireland. We owe it to them. We need to make this happen. Fine Gael talks about security as one of our values. It doesn’t just mean security as a nation. It means security for individuals and for families.
“I love this country and I will work every moment of every day to keep it safe and to deliver for people,” Harris concluded.
