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What Simon Harris needs to do to be a different and successful Taoiseach

The major challenges for Harris are the timing of his elevation and how can he distinguish himself from my friend Leo Varadkar

Simon Harris was the heir apparent and he was always going to blow any opposition off the pitch once the starting gun was fired

Leo Varadkar’s decision to step down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael this week came a shock to everyone around him.

A few days earlier he was enjoying the traditional St Patrick’s Day engagements in Boston and Washington DC, looking relaxed and convivial. In hindsight, perhaps his relaxed demeanour was prompted by relief at the decision he had already taken.

While the tributes poured in it was not long before attention turned to the ...