Simon Harris wins support of three Independent TDs in bid to be taoiseach

Roscommon-Galway deputy Denis Naughten confirmed he had thrown his weight behind the new Fine Gael leader and it is understood Tipperary independent Michael Lowry and former Fianna Fáiler Marc MacSharry will also back Mr Harris.

Mr Naughten is very much from the Fine Gael gene pool, but his support nonetheless augurs well for Mr Harris.

“I know Simon Harris for well over 20 years,” said former Fine Gael TD Mr Naughten last night after a meeting between the pair.

“I have worked with him in the past on flooding issues, health matters and science questions. And I hope to continue to do so.

“I look forward to working with him over the next 12 months as taoiseach and I’ll be voting for him next Tuesday.”

Mr Lowry confirmed to RTÉ that he planned to support Mr Harris after what he described as “robust and positive discussions” and that Mr Harris agreed to “liaise with him about projects for his constituency”.

Mr Harris has contacts planned for today with Independents Cathal Berry TD (Kildare South) and Noel Grealish TD (Galway East).

Meanwhile, the taoiseach-designate had a meeting with his internal party committee on business with a view to promoting his campaign message to better reward enterprise in Ireland.

The new leader of Fine Gael said businesses would continue to be supported and their challenges responded to in future.

Speaking following a meeting last night with the Fine Gael Small ­Business and Enterprise Council, Mr Harris said: “This is one of the policy areas that I intend to focus on as Fine Gael leader.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our communities – they are crucial to the local economy, to employment in the regions and to the social fabric of our country.

“I want to thank members for the chance to engage and for all their work, for travelling and listening to people.

“It is now essential we gather that information and take concrete steps to address the concerns of this vital part of our economy and society.”

Kathryn Lynch, business consultant and chair of the Fine Gael Small Business and Enterprise Council, said: “The council was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the new leader to discuss how government can continue to support small and medium-sized businesses. Sinn Féin has criticised Mr Harris for being focused on his own ­elevation through his talks this week, rather than the issues facing the nation.

Eoin Ó Broin, the party spokesperson on housing, claimed Mr Harris “clearly does not care about the people who are suffering as a result of this housing crisis”.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said there had been a “deafening silence” from Mr Harris on the societal crux of accommodation since he was elected leader of Fine Gael more than a week ago.

“Why is Simon Harris silent still on housing?” Mr Ó Broin asked.

“He hasn’t said a word about what is the biggest crisis in the State since he became Fine Gael leader.

“He has listed his priorities as supporting SMEs, law and order, and supporting agriculture.

“Does this mean that tackling the deepening housing and homelessness crisis is not one of his priorities?” he asked.