Paul Hosford: EU agenda to give Simon Harris many headaches

On Gaza, Ireland is attempting to convince other EU nations to join it and Spain in recognising a Palestinian state

Taoiseach Simon Harris's focus was less on him and more on Ireland's position on geopolitical issues, most notably on Gaza and Ukraine. Photo: AP/Harry Nakos

Simon Harris bristled, somewhat, at the question.

On the red carpet under the Europa Building's imposing "lantern", he was asked what he made of criticism that he is inexperienced at this high level. But while it was Mr Harris's first European Council, the regular gatherings of governmental leaders from across the 27-member bloc, he was keen to put forward his bona fides.