Local TDs must not back Simon Harris as next Taoiseach, says Donnelly

A Dublin TD has called on government TDs from his constituency to not support the installation of the new Taoiseach next week.

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin West Paul Donnelly has said local TDs Leo Varadkar, Jack Chambers and Roderic O Gorman, must not vote for Simon Harris as the next Taoiseach on April 9 and should instead allow the people to have their say in a general election.

“I am urging local TDs for Dublin West not to back the installation of Simon Harris in next week’s Dáil vote,” Deputy Donnelly said.

“Instead, they should ensure the people can have their say in a general election.

“Given that the three TDs in question are Government Ministers, I am sure they will continue to be nodding dogs to this disastrous coalition.

“If the Ministers are confident the people of Dublin West are happy with their performance on the ground in Dublin West, then don’t back this coronation and go to the people, call a General Election.”

Deputy Donnelly went on to say that the people should be allowed have their say in whether Simon Harris takes over as Taoiseach.

“It’s time for change, not more of the same with Simon Harris,” he said.

“He has sat at the cabinet table for 8 years as home ownership collapsed, as rents skyrocketed and as our health system crumbled.

“He is a member of a government that has lurched from crisis to crisis, out of ideas and failing to deliver. A government that is out of touch, out of ideas and out of time.

“Here in Dublin West, we know all too well the impact of this poor governance. People in Dublin West deserve better.

“They should have the opportunity to make their voices heard in a general election.

“If the three Ministers are so certain that the people of Dublin west want Simon Harris as Taoiseach, they should back a general election now and let the people decide.

“Sinn Féin are absolutely clear that it’s time for change.

“Sinn Féin are ready to lead that change.

“It’s time for new people with new ideas. It’s time for a general election, where the people can have their say.”