An Taoiseach Simon Harris told attendees at the MacGill Summer School that there will be a focus on “optimism” and “pragmatism” during his time as leader of the country.
He addressed the audience at the prestigious political school, and spoke of the need for facing the challenges that society faces without labels, but instead through action.
“The greatest challenges of the past four decades have been met with energy, vision, hope, determination, and also, crucially, with optimism. In these times, where we face multiple, overlapping challenges, a key quality I would add, and the one which defines my philosophy as Taoiseach, is pragmatism.”
“Pragmatism means being equal to the moment before us, while preparing carefully for the next. Pragmatism is not defined by a label like ‘right’ or ‘left’ but the action taken in the moment to solve the problems in front of us.”
“Pragmatism is knowing over what time scale actions need to be taken, and knowing you need to bring everyone with you as you act.”
“When it comes to the concurrent challenges we face – war in Ukraine, migration, climate change – it seems to me that most people are less preoccupied with ideology and more concerned with effective crisis management and political pragmatism.”
An Taoiseach Simon Harris chatting to former TD Dinny McGinley and Frances Fitzgerald during his visit to the MacGill Summer School. (North West Newspix)
He also told attendees of his belief that labelling issues as “left and right” was not meaningful, and referred to inspiration he has taken from former US President Barack Obama.
“I don’t consider the labels of left and right particularly meaningful in a country and a European union where a political majority has converged on issues where we used to diverge in those directions,” he said.
“President Obama’s 2009 inaugural address, delivered as the global economic crisis worsened and millions found their futures imperilled still sticks with me. With that crisis canvas as his backdrop, it would have been easy to argue for a larger state, or a smaller one.”
“Obama chose neither. Obama argued: ‘The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.'”
“This is the test my government, and the government I hope to lead after the coming election, will seek to pass for everyone in Ireland.”
An Taoiseach Simon Harris is welcomed to Glenties by Joe Mulholland during his visit to the MacGill Summer School. (North West Newspix)
He also emphasised the need for Ireland to meet its climate targets, and told the audience the state was delivering “for many” – despite shortfalls in many state services such as housing and healthcare.
“Does the state deliver for you? Is your experience of Ireland in your youth, in your working life, in your life as a parent, in your community life, in your later years, getting better?”
“We know that for many in our nation the answer today is a resounding yes. Fine Gael took office at a time of economic deficiency, we now govern in a time of economic abundance.”
“We also know the answer for many is a heartfelt no. I hear the children, the parents, the workers, the communities, and our older citizens. I hear them every day as Taoiseach.”
“I pledge to deliver for them, pragmatically. I pledge to pass the test of making their government work for them.”
“It is why from the very start I have been working to break down the silos which hamper decision making and the delivery of solutions and services. Bringing together multiple agencies to move more quickly to tackle challenges arising from migration and chairing cross-Departmental meetings to unlock additional funding for assessments of need for children with disabilities are two examples.”
