Supercharged Simon Harris gives new energy to Fine Gael

The party is in a much different place from just 12 months ago

Taoiseach Simon Harris at Fine Gael’s Think-In with Aoibhinn Tormey Candidate for Dublin Bay North.

There's an undeniable buzz around Fine Gael at the moment, with the party in a much different place from just 12 months ago, when it struggled to marshal all its TDs and senators together for the annual think-in.

That “new energy” can be largely attributed to the frenetic pace set by party leader and Taoiseach, Simon Harris, who seized the top job at a time when Fine Gael appeared tired - flagging after 14 long years in government.

This time last year TDs and senators were remarking on the low attendance and low morale at the think-in ahead of the Dáil’s return.

That event, held in Limerick, largely set the tone for the end of Leo Varadkar’s premiership. This year, in contrast, it was a full house in Offaly with those in attendance much more ebullient about their election chances.

The now clichéd “A New Energy” mantra has been changed slightly, morphing into “New Team, New Energy” to put greater emphasis on Harris’ team of ministers rather than just Harris himself.

There was praise for the new Taoiseach, with one TD remarking how he was almost a combination of Varadkar and Enda Kenny – someone who was clever but could also backslap the public like there's no tomorrow.

His energy, and ability to mingle with voters was seen as he conducted a blitzed canvas in Tullamore town centre, stopping for every selfie and photo demanded of him in a quick 45-hop about the town.

Talking point

But the main talking point on the lips of those in attendance – along with how great Simon is – is the date of the upcoming election.

Harris pushes back when questioned by the media about the date of the election, saying it is just something that is asked within the “political bubble”.

“The date of the election is a story that the political, the media bubble is obsessed with and real people just want us to get on with the job,” he says.

Pressured as to whether he would commit to an election in 2024 or 2025, Harris dampened down any speculation as to a November poll.

“You’re aware of what the full term is and you’re aware that when a Government is elected, it’s constitutionally elected for a period of time,” he told reporters. No election date would be uttered.

Instead, he suggested to reporters that they should ask the other coalition leaders – Micheál Martin and Roderic O’Gorman – saying that he committed to going full term to them, and they should be asked if their opinions have changed.

Appeared worried

Some Fine Gael TDs appeared worried, however, fearing that Harris could end up losing whatever momentum he has now if he holds out for an election next year.

“He will almost certainly lose his momentum if he leaves it until March,” one TD said, adding that the sooner he pulls the plug on the coalition “the better”.

Another noted how while there is “always the risk” of losing momentum, their biggest concern is around the post-Christmas blues  denting Fine Gael instead.

One longtime TD said that current opinion polls showing Fine Gael in top spot should only be considered for morale within the party, and the tide will change rapidly once the election itself is called.

“The public opinion resets and it either goes with you or against you,” they said.

Others, however, disagree, with one candidate saying the public are willing to give Harris a chance whenever the election may come.

But will it be November or March? The only one who knows is Harris.