FG needs to connect more tightly with its natural voting contingency, sharpen its messaging and get back to its identity basics of law and order, the economy and enterprise
Leo Varadkar bows out and Simon Harris steps in, but what next for Fine Gael?The loss of established TDs is one of the most visible signals of what Brendan Griffin, the Kerry TD who is also stepping down at the next election, describes as a “drift”.
For Cannon, the connection has been lost between Fine Gael and large swathes of people whom he thinks are the party’s natural voters. Senior party figures, still deeply shaken by the shock of this week and depleted by its toll, are looking to regroup now behind Harris “They can’t take everything that’s being thrown at them,” he says, objecting to the raft of legislation on sick days, the minimum wage increase and other obligations for employers.
Minister for Further Education Simon Harris: the 37 year old stands on the verge of assuming the taoiseach role held by Leo Varadkar. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Fine Gael has drifted from its core identity – not an uncommon complaint for a party that has spent 13 years in government Griffin has a broadly similar analysis; he thinks the party can poll around its 2007 and 2016 levels – neither the triumph of 2011 nor the disaster of 2020 are representative.
“The general public will expect him to make changes as well,” he said, outlining a belief that Harris will “be brave”.“We have been forgetting about the listening part,” says Cannon. “If you create clear blue water between you and the people who elect you, you are in trouble and we saw that two weeks ago.”
For Fine Gael, he says: “There are only certain voters who are open to you and broadly speaking you’d have to say they are Fianna Fáil voters,” he says, putting the chances of winning back votes lost to Independents as lower, while opposition voters cling to Sinn Féin, and a small left vote moves between other parties.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leo Varadkar resignation: Simon Harris secures first nomination in contest for next taoiseachCoalition leaders say Government should run full term, as Opposition parties call for election following Leo Varadkar's announcement that he is stepping down as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach
Read more »
Replacing Leo Varadkar: Starting gun fired on Simon Harris campaignSeveral party members have come out publicly to support Mr Harris
Read more »
Is Simon Harris the front-runner to replace Leo Varadkar?Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan
Read more »
Leo Varadkar’s standing tarnished by ‘Leo the leak’ affairVaradkar said he sent a friend a contract because he wanted to reach an agreement with the National Association of General Practitioners that would be similar to a Irish Medical Organisation deal
Read more »
How 'Leo's Day' turned quickly to Simon Harris' momentYesterday was 'Leo's Day', we were told, with Fine Gael TDs, Senators and MEPs saying they did not want to talk about succession, but rather the qualities and attributes of their soon-to-be former leader.
Read more »
Leo Varadkar resignation LIVE updates as Taoiseach steps down and leaves role at Fine GaelLeo Varadkar made an announcement outside Government buildings where he said he was stepping down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader
Read more »