Fine Gael leader sat down for a wide-ranging interview at the Kennedy Summer School in Wexford
In a fireside interview with former Twitter Ireland managing director and global vice-president for public policy, Sinéad McSweeney, Mr Harris set out his vision for Ireland ahead of the upcoming General Election, saying: “For me my job is to be a disruptor.”
Outlining his political philosophy, he said he does not accept an approach of “passing the parcel” within government, suggesting this had become the norm. “If passing the parcel was an Olympic sport we would have been in for a medal.”
Referencing the moving of asylum seekers from an encampment on Mount Street to Citywest and tented accommodation at Crooksling in southwest Dublin as an example of getting things done through consensus between departments as an example of the kind of cohesive government he wants for Ireland, he said there are complex issues facing Ireland which require debate and careful consideration.
“This is not a country of hate or racism. There are so many people who left our shores for the hope of a better future for them and their children. The idea that a small number of unelected people are now trying to begrudge others doing the exact same thing, that is not who we are, but I do think we have to start speaking out and speaking up.”
An Taoiseach Simon Harris being interviewed by Sinead McSweeney on stage at the Kennedy Summer School in New Ross, Co Wexford on Friday. Photo: Mary Browne
He said having a conversation and debate about migration is valid and important, adding “but let’s not let a small number of people hijack who we are as a people by political cowardice or saying leave them at it, there’s no votes in that”.
Mr Harris said the Government is addressing issues surrounding migration “in real time”, adding that people across the country have genuine concerns about how the increase in population through migration is impacting services.
“The groups I admire, I admire the people who, in communities, have had concerns and have had questions and when they saw the far right try to get within an inch of it, they ran them.”
Mr Harris said he has no time for people who try to present Ireland as a failed state, adding that ensuring people aren’t afraid to run for politics is vital for the country’s future.
“Our politics thrive when good people put their name on the ballot box,” he said.
An Taoiseach Simon Harris opening the Dunbrody Famine Experience in New Ross on Friday. Photo: Mary Browne
Saturday’s Kennedy Summer School continues with a broad range of topics up for discussion, including a history panel offering insights into how various forms of media have documented and shaped Irish memory and identity; crime and anti-social behaviour in post-Covid Ireland; a segment on whether Irish emigrants should have a say in Irish politics; the Nato Divide – perspectives on Ireland’s neutrality and national security; and an Irish politics panel moderated by Sarah Carey and featuring Simon Coveney TD, Peadar Tóibín TD and Senator Malcolm Byrne.
Unsurprisingly, the summer school concludes with a discussion on US politics where a panel will examine the US presidential race across the key states that will determine the election, implications of ‘Project 2025’ and how this race will leave a lasting impact on American politics regardless of who wins.