Dublin: Prime Minister Simon Harris stirred controversy with his absence on the day he assumed office. Opting out of the Dáil proceedings and leaders’ question and answer sessions, he attended phone calls from foreign leaders instead. While opposition parties criticised this decision, government leaders asserted that there was no issue with his absence.
Harris justified his absence by highlighting the necessity of attending calls from leaders such as Rishi Sunak, Zelensky, and Northern Ireland representatives.
Opposition’s Reaction
Opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald wasted no time in lambasting the government as the assembly convened. She demanded clarity on the absence of the customary parliamentary process known as Leaders’ Choice, labeling it a departure from established norms. Mary Lou emphasised the importance of addressing pertinent questions raised by the opposition and condemned the government’s approach as disrespectful to the parliament.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik expressed disappointment over the alteration in the Dáil schedule, while Social Democrats leader Catherine Murphy described it as “disgraceful” for parliamentary proceedings. Independent TD Matty McGrath echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the move as “disgraceful.”
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson defended Harris’s absence, stating that it’s customary for him to refrain from appearing in the House for a week after assuming office. Harris commenced his day at 7:50 am, engaging in calls and meetings with world leaders, including the first cabinet meeting and pre-cabinet discussions.
Simon Harris’s Diplomatic Endeavours
Subsequently, Simon Harris embarked on a diplomatic mission, visiting Brussels and Warsaw to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Following this, he is scheduled to meet European Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metzola in both cities. Additionally, he plans to attend a summit hosted by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk alongside counterparts from Spain, Finland, Estonia, Greece, and Luxembourg.
Ahead of the forthcoming EU Council summit, Harris aims to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocate for an immediate ceasefire, and facilitate the opening of aid channels. Furthermore, the Irish Prime Minister aims to reaffirm Ireland’s readiness to recognise a Palestinian state.
Explanation via Press Release
Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton informed the Dáil of the cancellation of Leaders’ Questions due to urgent phone conversations with Rishi Sunak, Zelensky, and Northern Ireland leaders. Naughton clarified that the session would be rescheduled for the following week. The House adjourned following a government victory in a vote on changes to Dáil procedures.
Additionally, Prime Minister Simon Harris engaged in phone conversations with Stormont leaders, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as outlined in a government news release. The discussions centred on Ireland’s support for Ukraine and dialogue with Stormont leaders as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Sunak extended an invitation to Harris to attend the European Political Summit hosted by the UK in July.
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