Simon Harris expresses hopes for his political future as a cabinet reshuffle looms

Higher Education Secretary Simon Harris says he hopes to continue playing a role in government when the cabinet reshuffle takes place in two weeks.

Mr Harris, who was Health Secretary when the pandemic began, exclusively told the Irish Independent: “I have always tried to see this as you only caring about what is under your control.

“What I can control is doing my job as well as I can,” he said.

“This is a fascinating department – ​​one that didn’t exist two and a half years ago. What I’ve really tried to do is shed some light on issues that in the past probably didn’t get the political attention or funding they needed.

“So I enjoyed this challenge. I have also enjoyed other challenges in the past and I will enjoy challenges in the future.”
When asked if he still had a job to do in the department and would therefore like to stay on for two and a half years, Mr. Harris replied: “In politics, as you know, your inbox and outbox are never empty. Wasn’t I Secretary of Health in the middle of a global pandemic until the change of government happened?
“So we’ll see what happens on December 17, but I’m really enjoying this role and I hope to continue to play a positive role in government.”

Meanwhile, Mr Harris addressed Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary’s criticism of Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who he says was like a “drunken tourist” in Sharm el-Sheikh when he advocated additional flight taxes .

“Michael is Michael. is not he? That’s what Michael is saying, and he has a very good way of getting media attention by saying colorful things in language.

“Eamon is a good colleague and we all deliver a program for the government. I don’t think it’s earth-shattering to say that Michael O’Leary is known for getting his point across with colorful language. But Eamon is doing a good job.”