As the anticipated transition of power unfolds within Fine Gael, newly appointed leader Simon Harris is set to engage in crucial discussions with outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, marking a pivotal step towards assuming leadership.

Scheduled to convene with Varadkar today, Harris is also slated to meet with other coalition leaders later this week, laying the groundwork for his imminent election as Taoiseach by the Dáil on April 9th.

Addressing the media at a party event in Athlone, Harris underscored the Coalition's imperative to capitalize on the remaining year before an inevitable General Election. Emphasizing a pragmatic approach, he expressed his intention to consult with all Fine Gael ministers regarding achievable goals within the limited timeframe.

Furthermore, Harris articulated his commitment to aligning with the leaders of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, Micheál Martin and Eamon Ryan respectively, to discuss the implementation timeline of commitments outlined in the Programme for Government. Central to Harris's vision is fostering trust and mutual respect among coalition leaders, underpinning his belief in the government's capacity to deliver.

Amidst calls from opposition parties for an immediate General Election, Harris reiterated his stance advocating for the Coalition to fulfill its mandate until March 2025—an opinion shared by both Martin and Ryan.

As Harris inches closer to assuming leadership, today's meeting with Varadkar marks a pivotal moment in the transition process, signaling the impending shift in government dynamics under his stewardship.