Never fear… young Simon will be here
But don’t worry – Ross and Naughten can help out if there’s a crisis
THE youngest member of Cabinet will be left in charge of the country this week as the rest of his colleagues fly off to exotic destinations for St Patrick’s Day.
Health Minister Simon Harris, 30, is one of only three Cabinet ministers who will remain in Ireland for our national holiday. The other two are independents Shane Ross and Denis Naughten.
‘There are no nuclear codes or anything like that and there are no official powers handed over. Nevertheless, it is symbolic that he has been selected to be the most senior
‘No nuclear codes but it is still symbolic’
Cabinet minister in Ireland this week,’ said a Government source. ‘The last few years that person has been Michael Noonan.’
Mr Noonan is travelling to Singapore this year.
The Dáil is not sitting this week so it is expected to be politically quiet. However, there are rumours that Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May could trigger Article 50 during the week, which would legally launch the two-year countdown to Brexit.
Enda Kenny begins his trip to the United States this weekend in Philadelphia, where he will attend the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade. He moves on to Boston on Tuesday, and, on Thursday, he will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House for the annual shamrock ceremony.
With the Taoiseach expected to outline his intentions for departure from office on his return, Fine Gael candidates are gearing up for a leadership contest.
Mr Harris ruled himself out of the race on Monday.
There are now three contenders for the leadership – Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar, Housing Minister Simon Coveney and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.
They will compete for Mr Harris’s support. Although a former parliamentary assistant to Ms Fitzgerald, the Health Minister favours Mr Coveney, the Irish Mail on Sunday understands. That may change if an offer of a prestigious ministry comes from another minister.
The campaign to replace Mr Kenny will be in full flight in the coming weeks. Mr Varadkar has already been meeting and greeting Fine Gael TDs for over a year now in low-level canvassing.
The MoS understands that Ms Fitzgerald called to TDs’ offices in Leinster House last week, which a party source said was unusual. She was also seen two days in a row in the Leinster House self-service restaurant, the informal eating area used by many backbenchers.
‘She was making a point of being seen around,’ said a Fine Gael source.
The MoS has learned that Ciarán Conlon – the former Fine Gael director of communications and adviser to Richard Bruton – is advising the Coveney side.
Mr Varadkar was the hot favourite a month ago to win the leadership contest. However, recent polls have shown declining support for the Social Protection minister.