September 6, 2025
Simon Harris Shakes Up Ireland’s Presidential Race
Simon Harris Bans Fine Gael Councillors From Supporting Independents in Bid for Presidential Ticket Irish politics took a dramatic turn this week as Taoiseach Simon Harris made it clear that Fine Gael councillors will not be allowed to back Independent candidates seeking nominations for the upcoming presidential election. It was the kind of move that instantly set off debates in council chambers, living rooms, and online forums across the country, with many people asking whether this was about party discipline or an attempt to shut out voices beyond the mainstream. For Independents, the road to the presidency has always been