Disability advocates in Ireland have expressed mixed views on Simon Harris, who is set to become the country's next Taoiseach. Some activists are skeptical of Harris' commitment to improving the lives of disabled people, while others are hopeful that he will prioritize disability rights. Ann Marie Flanagan, a disability rights campaigner, is not confident in Harris' ability to advocate for disabled citizens based on his time as Minister for Health. Flanagan emphasizes the need for fully implementing the 2005 Disability Act, providing supports and services on a rights-based basis, and separating the medical card from work. On the other hand, Senator Tom Clonan, who has campaigned for disability rights, is more optimistic about Harris' potential. Clonan points to Harris' track record of taking quick and meaningful action to support disabled citizens, such as securing State supports for third-level students with disabilities in private colleges. Clonan hopes that Harris will be a voice at Cabinet sympathetic to the fundamental human rights of disabled citizens and carers. He also urges Harris to prioritize ratifying the optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Simon Harris, the newly appointed leader of the Fine Gael party in Ireland, stated that Irish unification is a 'legitimate political aspiration' but not his priority as the leader. Harris, who is set to become Ireland's youngest ever prime minister, emphasized that his main focus will be on law and order, crafting a more planned and sustainable immigration policy, and fighting against populism. He acknowledged the desire for a united Ireland but stated that it is not his current focus. Harris also expressed support for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and criticized the actions of the Israeli government. He called for a political process that brings about a two-state solution to the conflict.
In addition to disability advocacy and Irish unification, Simon Harris has expressed openness to a migration reform that would involve processing asylum applications in third countries. The proposal has been put forward by the European People's Party (EPP), of which Fine Gael is a member. Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman believes the focus should be on strengthening Ireland's own immigration system. Ireland has seen a sharp rise in the number of asylum seekers, leading to encampments due to a lack of accommodation. Harris emphasized the importance of any actions being compliant with human rights law.
Mary Lou McDonald, the president of Sinn Féin, has admitted that a large section of the party's supporters feel that the leadership has 'failed to have their backs'. This comes after a review of Sinn Féin's recent electoral performance, in which McDonald acknowledged that the party 'failed to reflect' most people's views on immigration. She also admitted that the party 'got it wrong' by backing the Government's referenda in March. Despite a disappointing outing in the European and local council elections in June, Sinn Féin celebrated successes in the UK general election last week, becoming Northern Ireland's largest party at Westminster level. McDonald stated that the party would take 'decisive steps' to prepare for the next general election in the Republic of Ireland.
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach of Ireland, stated that the question of a referendum on Irish unity is not a priority and does not currently arise. He emphasized the importance of supporting the powersharing institutions at Stormont and working together with the new UK Government. Sinn Féin, the largest representation among Northern Ireland parties at Westminster, called on the new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to embrace the right of Irish self-determination and constitutional change toward Irish reunification. However, Sir Keir has previously stated that the issue of a united Ireland is not on his horizon. Harris acknowledged the differing views on the constitutional question and emphasized the need for practical ways of working together. He stated that the focus and priority should be on delivery, such as public services and the economy. Harris also mentioned the opportunity to reset Anglo-Irish relations and expressed excitement about the opportunities it presents. He concluded that the prospect of a unity referendum does not currently arise and that the priority is to support the work of ministers in Northern Ireland and the British and Irish governments in their role as co-guarantors of the peace process.
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