Simon Harris pledges supports for farmers, families, and businesses

Ahead of his party's ard fheis, the incoming Taoiseach refused to give any indication of who he may appoint to his Cabinet

Speaking ahead of the 82nd Fine Gael ard fheis at the Clayton Hotel, Galway, Simon Harris said the party is 'fighting fit'. Picture: Dan Linehan

Extra supports for farmers, families, and small businesses will be prioritised by incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris.

The Fine Gael leader has strongly hinted that further measures to help farmers who have suffered an "absolutely brutal" year are on the cards along with supports to reduce costs for businesses as well as parents with young children.

Speaking ahead of his party's ard fheis, which is taking place in Galway on Saturday, Mr Harris said Fine Gael is "fighting fit" and he will be using his televised speech to bring people back into the party.

Turning to areas he intends to prioritise as Taoiseach, Mr Harris said: "I do think the farming community, for example, are really hurting at the moment. It's been an absolutely brutal year for farmers because of the weather situation.

"I am eager to see how we can support the farming community."

However, he ruled out a mini-budget or a second finance act this year, saying that there are other ways to support businesses, farmers, and families.

"I think small businesses want to know that we're on their side, and I think a number of families want to have a better understanding of what we intend to do in terms of childcare, in terms of tax, in terms of cost of living," said Mr Harris.

It is understood there is some concern over the lack of uptake of the Government's increased cost of business grant, with millions of euro left unclaimed in the €257m scheme. Mr Harris will be working on ways to entice increased uptake of this support.

Simon Harris and party members ahead of the Fine Gael ard fheis in Galway. Picture: Dan Linehan

With speculation mounting around who may be elevated or demoted in Tuesday's ministerial shuffle, Mr Harris refused to give any indication of who he may appoint to his Cabinet.

Asked if Minister Helen McEntee will be retained in Justice, Mr Harris said: "I know that this is always a time of tension and interest in politics. I've been through this myself as a minister.

But he added: "There will be people who are rightly delighted next week and there will be people who feel a sense of personal disappointment."

While Mr Harris described Ms McEntee as a good friend and colleague, there has been speculation that she could be replaced in the Department of Justice.

Those in the mix for elevation to Cabinet include Neale Richmond, Peter Burke, and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Backbench TDs Colm Burke, Alan Farrell, and Alan Dillon have also been rumoured for junior minister positions.

Questioned on the future of RTÉ, Mr Harris said the "constant drama" at the national broadcaster "needs to end".

He added that he wants to bring “finality” to the issue, but will be keeping an "open mind" regarding a new funding model for media.

“I think there are two options, you can do direct exchequer funding or you can do a better collected TV licence system.

“Quite frankly, all of it is paid by taxpayers, all of it's paid by the people we represent in Dáil Éireann.

“So, I have an open mind in relation to that." 

Mr Harris said one of his first acts as Taoiseach will be to seek an updated timeline for the reports on the State broadcaster.