Elaine Loughlin: Harris returns to the old reliables as heavy hitters come in from the cold

As blue skies re-emerged over the Fine Gael ard fheis in Galway, the incoming Taoiseach may have weathered his first storm but real challenges start this week with the selection of his cabinet

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe talks to 'Irish Examiner' political editor Elaine Loughlin at the Fine Gael ard fheis in Galway. Picture: Dan Linehan

After a tumultuous few weeks following the shock resignation of Leo Varadkar, it is clear that Simon Harris’ strategy to reinvigorate his party is to return to the old reliables, both in terms of policy and personality.

As storm-force winds rolled in to Galway Bay, so too did some of Fine Gael’s former heavy hitters.