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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Simon Harris is the frontrunner to be the new leader of Fine Gael. Pic: cc by-nc-nd 2.0
Castlebar Fine Gael councillor Cyril Burke and Mayo's Midlands North West MEP Maria Walsh are backing Simon Harris to be the next Fine Gael leader.
In a statement to The Mayo News, Cllr Cyril Burke said after engaging with a large number of grassroot members, he was confirming his support for Simon Harris for the position after the resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday afternoon.
Cllr Burke added: “I believe Simon has all the qualities required to fill the post. He has immense experience and has proved his ability in numerous senior posts over a long number of years. I believe he has the energy and enthusiasm to lead the party into the Local and European Elections and to drive the party on after into the next general election. I believe Simon will prove to be a great leader and someone the people of Ireland will grow to respect for his dedication to politics and this country.”
Shrule born MEP Maria Walsh expressed her support for Harris in a tweet, simply saying: “Pro European. Experienced. Principled.”
I am supporting @SimonHarrisTD to be our next @FineGael Leader & Taoiseach.
— Maria Walsh MEP (@MariaWalshEU) March 21, 2024
Pro European. Experienced. Principled. #SimonHarris pic.twitter.com/h1f4DLBZ0o
However, Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh has called on the government parties to do the right thing and call a general election.
Speaking after Leo Varadkar announced his resignation, Teachta Conway-Walsh said:
“The next Taoiseach should be chosen by the people, not by Fine Gael. It is time for an election.
“This is a defining moment. People in Mayo are crying out for change. Not just a change of Taoiseach, but a change of government and a change of direction.
“Fine Gael have been in government for far too long. They are out of touch and have run out of ideas and have run out of time. We need a change of approach in healthcare, a change in supporting workers and families in the cost of living crisis and a change of approach in housing.
“Ireland had one of the highest levels of home ownership in Europe when Leo Varadkar first took office as a member of cabinet in 2011. This has collapsed during his time in office. The housing crisis is his legacy. There needs to be a General Election. It's time for change.”
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