Paul Hosford: Simon Harris has one big chance to shape his party and the country

Fifteen years on from first taking office as a TD, Simon Harris now approaches Budget 2027 as a first-time finance minister

'Simon Harris has the opportunity to shape the future direction of Fine Gael in a way that few party leaders have before him.' writes Paul Hosford. File picture: Jacob King/PA

When Fine Gael swept to power in 2011, the economic realities facing the country were stark.

Faced with mopping up a collapsed economy and a bank bailout, those in the party felt that they had little choice but to “right the ship” with austerity budgets.