Politics

Simon Harris pledges 250,000 homes over next five years in maiden speech as Fine Gael leader

A promise of more supports for business, tax changes, and call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza in keynote address

Fine Gael Leader Minister Simon Harris, reviewing his speech before the 82nd Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Incoming Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has pledged to build 250,000 homes over the next five years, increase supports for businesses, and introduce tougher measures to tackle crime.

Addressing his party’s annual ard fheis on Saturday in Galway, Harris paid tribute to departing Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and the recently deceased former taoiseach John Bruton, who died earlier this year.

In his opening remarks, Harris told party members that “it is now ...