Simon Harris vows to bring ‘renewed energy’ to Fine Gael but rules out early election

Simon Harris said he had been 'overwhelmed' by the level of support he had received from within his party

In declaring his intention to run to for the position vacated by Leo Varadkar, Mr Harris said: 'I'm in, I want to be the next leader of Fine Gael, I'm ready to step up and I'm ready to serve'. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Simon Harris has promised to bring a "renewed energy" to Fine Gael as he ruled out an immediate election when he takes over leadership of the party.

In declaring his intention to run for the position vacated by Leo Varadkar, Mr Harris said: "I'm in, I want to be the next leader of Fine Gael, I'm ready to step up and I'm ready to serve."

In what was described as a "shock and awe" campaign to end a leadership race before it even kicked off, Fine Gael TDs, senator and MEPs came out en masse to voice support for Mr Harris from early morning.

Mr Harris said he had been "overwhelmed" by the level of support he had received from within his party, adding that he will "work night and day" and will "give this my absolute all to repay that trust."

He said that there is now a need to “tone down” the rhetoric and toxicity that exists on all sides of politics.

“We need to focus on what we can get done and how politics can deliver for people. That’s the tone I intend, should I be given the opportunity to serve, to bring to Irish politics,” Mr Harris said.

Earlier in the day, Minister of State Neale Richmond said Mr Harris had the "energy, experience and compassion" to lead a fundamental step-change in both the Government and the party.

MEP Frances Fitzgerald, who acted as a mentor to Mr Harris at the beginning of his political career, described the Wicklow TD as "conscientious, caring and hard working".

“I believe Simon has all of the necessary qualities to lead the country as Taoiseach at this critical time," Ms Fitzgerald said.

By lunchtime Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney had all made it clear that they would not be seeking the party leadership.

By the time Mr Harris appeared on television at 6.30pm, he had secured the backing of more than 35 parliamentary party members and well over 100 councillors.

However, a number of party members said they believed a contest would have been beneficial for the party.

Speaking in favour of a leadership race, Richard Bruton said: “I think a contest will bind the membership together."

In the Dáil both Sinn Féin and Labour reiterated calls for a change of Government.

Sinn Féin’s deputy Dáil leader Pearse Doherty took aim at the Government for its record, saying that Leo Varadkar’s legacy would be “the highest ever level of homelessness”.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik that the selection of a new Fine Gael taoiseach through the party and not through a general election is “against the democratic imperative”.

However, speaking on RTÉ's 6.1 News, Mr Harris dismissed calls for an immediate general election, stating that the Constitution “very clear” that there is no requirement to immediately go to the country.

“Governments have changed many times outside of the election cycle. There’s due to be a general election within the next year.

“I’m certainly committed, as I know my party is and as I believe the other parties in Government are, to continuing the work of Government.”

Meanwhile, speaking in Brussels, outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he had returned home from Leinster House at about 10pm on Wednesday night after making his shock announcement and enjoyed a take-away with his partner Matt Barrett.

“Matt is delighted, this life was never really for him”, he told journalists ahead of an EU Summit.

"I’ve been coming to Brussels for nearly 14 years now without a break representing the country.

"It can’t be forever and I don’t want it to be forever. I left Leinster House last night at nearly 10pm; I went home, had a take-away, had a chat with my partner and got up at like 6.45am to get on a plane at 8am, you don’t need to do that forever.'

Mr Varadkar insisted there are no plans for jobs elsewhere and is not resigning his seat for Fine Gael in Dublin West constituency, although he hasn’t decided if he’ll contest the next general election.