In the wake of Leo Varadkar's announcement of stepping down as leader of Fine Gael, speculation arose regarding the party's trajectory and core values. Amid calls from party members to return to basics and address concerns of being perceived as "too left," Simon Harris, poised to lead Fine Gael, swiftly addressed concerns about his perceived "wokeness."

Responding to inquiries about whether he might be "too woke" to realign Fine Gael with its core principles, Harris offered a pragmatic perspective. "I don't know what woke means," he remarked, "It's the opposite of being asleep, isn't it?" His statement captured the essence of Fine Gael's need for revitalization and engagement with diverse segments of society.

Harris emphasized the imperative of reconnecting with communities that may have drifted from Fine Gael's fold, outlining his vision to engage with the farming community, bolster small businesses, and prioritize law and order initiatives. Contrary to expectations of veering towards right-wing policies, Harris emphasized a focus on addressing fundamental socio economic concerns and placing small businesses at the forefront of policy discourse.

Addressing concerns about income tax, Harris reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing tax burdens, particularly for average earners. He underscored the importance of initiatives like reducing childcare and education costs to alleviate financial pressures on middle-income families.

Furthermore, Harris outlined ambitious plans to support small businesses, including a substantial funding package and subsequent reductions in employer PRSI rates. While acknowledging the limitations of the current government's term, Harris assured ongoing engagement with small business owners to navigate forthcoming policy changes.

On the critical issue of Garda recruitment, Harris reiterated the government's commitment to increasing police presence across Irish towns and cities. With a target of 15,000 recruits in sight, he expressed confidence in meeting recruitment goals and addressing public safety concerns.

As Harris assumes leadership of Fine Gael, his pragmatic approach underscores a commitment to revitalizing the party while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of Irish society. With a focus on inclusive policies and economic revitalization, Harris aims to steer Fine Gael towards a future grounded in its core values while embracing the complexities of modern governance.