# Simon Harris’s political antenna is one of the most finely tuned around – but his rude ‘awokening’ at the hands of his own Executive last night suggests his time as Fine Gael leader might be up. Here’s why…

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/simon-harriss-political-antenna-is-one-of-the-most-finely-tuned-around-but-his-rude-awokening-at-the-hands-of-his-own-executive-last-night-suggests-his-time-as-fine-gael-leader-might-be-up-he/
- Published: 2026-11-05T14:11:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T14:23:09+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16267959/Simon-Harriss-political-antenna-one-finely-tuned-rude-awokening-hands-Executive-night-suggests-time-Fine-Gael-leader-Heres-why.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, Elections, Politics, World

## Key points

- Harris’s motion was rejected twice by Fine Gael’s Executive Council.
- The dispute raises questions about his influence and the party’s direction.
- An internal report reportedly warned Fine Gael’s viability was at stake.

## Summary

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris failed twice to persuade the party’s Executive Council to include a motion on its centre-right identity at this weekend’s ard fheis. The public setback has fuelled questions about his influence within the party, which is already concerned about its direction and electoral prospects.

The article links the dispute to Harris’s recent criticism of NGO spending and a Dublin Rape Crisis Centre advert, as well as frustration over his handling of the fallout from a Budget dispute involving Patrick O’Donovan and RTÉ. An internal report reportedly warned that Fine Gael’s viability was at stake and voters did not know what it stood for. The article says there is no expressed concern about Harris from the TDs and ministers its author spoke to, though it reports louder unease elsewhere in the party.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.