FG in Cork pays tribute to Simon Coveney as he signals departure from Cabinet
PARTY COLLEAGUES SPEAK OF THEIR SHOCK AT ANNOUNCEMENT BY MINISTER ‘WHO DELIVERED’
FINE Gael politicians in Cork have paid tribute to Simon Coveney who announced on Tuesday, April 2 that he is stepping aside as the Minister for Enterprise.
The deputy Fine Gael leader informed taoiseach-designate Simon Harris that he does not want to be considered as part of the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle with Mr Harris due to announce his new Cabinet after the Easter recess.
Mr Coveney’s departure from Cabinet also possibly indicates he will not be running in the next general election, which would be surprising as the TD for Cork South Central recently said that he would be running.
In a post on X, Mr Coveney said: “I spoke to Simon Harris TD to inform him that I would not be making myself available to serve in Cabinet when the Dáil resumes next week. I’ ll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central and will of course actively support the Government in the Dáil.”
The leader of the Fine Gael party grouping in Cork County Council, Cllr John Paul O’Shea led the political tributes to Mr Coveney. “I was very saddened to hear Simon is stepping down from ministerial office. He has been a long standing government minister for many years. He has delivered in spades in many government departments he has led over the years for the benefit of this country. He has also delivered in his role as minister for Cork County and City. I wish him well for the future,” he said.
Fine Gael TD for Cork East David Stanton expressed his shock at the announcement by Mr Coveney. “I was surprised. I think everyone was surprised. He has been at the top in this very intense position for a long time. I can understand his thinking. I served for four years in a Minister for State role and I know what that is like. It is really busy.
“There is a resetting now at the moment with Leo resigning from the top job. Simon took time over the last while. He seems to have rationalised it out and maybe he wants to look at other stuff,” he said.
Mr Stanton who announced last year that he will not run in the next general election said stepping down from a ministerial role or deciding not to seek re-election is a personal choice for politicians. “I made a decision. It is not an easy decision because I love the job. I’m of an age where I wouldn’t give my best and I wouldn’t have the same level of energy. It is really a personal decision for people to make. A lot of people move jobs. It is not just politicians so I think politicians should also have the right to do that. It is his own personal decision as to what he does along with his family, friends and supporters.”
“He was a good colleague and a good listener,” said Mr Stanton about his political colleague. “In East Cork we got awful flooding last October and he was very supportive as were a lot of ministers. He was in charge of the business support scheme which was very successful. The reports I got back from people said they were very happy with the way they were treated by the Department and Minister Coveney. He got a lot more money from Cabinet to put into the scheme because the damage was horrific.
“It is always useful to have a minister in the locality because they know the area and they can maybe influence what decisions are made. If you work with people and you make a case rationally you can actually achieve a certain amount of success. East Cork is growing at a tremendous rate.
“We need roads upgraded. Coastal erosion is another real concern. You need people to listen to what is happening. Simon was a good listener from that point of view. I wish him well,” he added.