Fine Gael leader Simon Harris rules out early election

Wants the coalition to run its full five-year term

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said that it is his intention for the Government to run its full term until next year, giving him a "short window" to implement outstanding parts of the programme for government. Picture: Eamon Ward/PA Wire

Simon Harris has ruled out an early election, insisting the coalition will run its full five-year term.

He was speaking in Athlone, where he formally became leader of Fine Gael, paving the way for him to become Taoiseach in just two weeks.