Politics

Independent TDs Denis Naughten and Michael Lowry set to back Simon Harris

Naughten has indicated support for Harris on social media, while Lowry is expected to come out in support of him next week

Michael Lowry has held talks with Simon Harris and is expected to back him. Photograph: Dara MacDónaill/The Irish Times

Jack Horgan-Jones
Wed Apr 3 2024 - 21:44

Simon Harris has secured the backing of more Independent TDs in advance of a vote to elect him Taoiseach in the Dáil next week.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Denis Naughten wrote that he would be voting for Mr Harris, having known him for well over 20 years.

He wrote: “I have worked with him in the past on flooding issues, health issues and science issues. And hope to continue to do so. I look forward to working with him over the next 12 months as Taoiseach and I’ll be voting for him next Tuesday.”

It is also expected that Independent TD for Tipperary Michael Lowry will indicate his support on Tuesday following talks with Mr Harris focusing on farming, University Hospital Limerick, small business and other matters.

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Joe McHugh, the former Fine Gael Cabinet minister who is without the whip, will also vote for him, as will the former Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry.

Mr Harris will meet Independent TD Cathal Berry on Thursday and met on Tuesday with Seán Canney, who has yet to indicate whether he will vote for the Fine Gael leader as Taoiseach.

The Government’s on-paper majority has been bolstered by votes from a group of Independent TDs during confidence votes in the Government and ministers, and when electing Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar to the position of Taoiseach in 2020 and 2022.

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

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