The frontrunner for Ireland’s next Taoiseach Simon Harris is a “yappy dog chasing a tyre”, according to Labour TD Ged Nash.
Speaking at the party’s national conference in the Helix today, the TD said hit out at Mr Harris this morning and his impending run as leader of the country.
“I think Simon Harris will be a little bit like the yappy dog who’s chasing the car,” he said.
Addressing the minister’s active social media presence, the Labour finance spokesperson said the party doesn’t “believe the TikTok Taoiseach will transform anything”.
“He will merely tinker around the edges,” Deputy Nash said.
“I don’t believe that Mr Harris will have the kind of vision that you need to transform the way Government is done at the top - we’ve seen no evidence of this in terms of how he has operated as minister over the last few years.”
Simon Harris on TikTok
Mr Harris first launched his TikTok account in March 2021, where his eccentric videos putting filters on Creme Eggs and using graphics to show off his long hair received a lot of attention.
While not as active as he would have been in previous years, the potential next Taoiseach remains on TikTok, including a video yesterday regarding his leadership bid.
“It has been a very interesting week in Irish politics, to put it mildly,” he said.
“I want you to know that if given the honour to serve, I am going to work day and night, night and day to deliver for this country and to do everything I possibly can to make sure that politics delivers for people.”
@simon_harristd My first #tiktokdance. Was in Lacken National School today! Didn’t expect to be asked to join in!! Did my best! Great school & great visit #fyp #foryoupage #foryourpage #school #students ♬ original sound - Simon Harris
Since Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s shock resignation on Wednesday, Labour and other opposition parties have called for a general election as soon as possible.
At the conference today, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said Irish people “have a once in a lifetime opportunity with the elections that we’re facing into over the year ahead to create a liveable planet a thriving community, homes for all”.
Fianna Fáil and the Green Party both confirmed following Mr Varadkar’s resignation that they plan to remain in coalition for the lifetime of the Government.
Nominations for the Fine Gael leadership bid close tomorrow at 1pm and it is expected Mr Harris will be the sole contender.
