In a dramatic turn of events, Simon Harris has clinched a pivotal agreement with fellow Cabinet member Heather Humphreys, positioning himself as the frontrunner for the Fine Gael leadership. Harris pledged to appoint Humphreys as the deputy leader of Fine Gael and ensure her retention in the Cabinet in exchange for her support in the leadership race. This strategic move effectively eliminated Humphreys as a contender, clearing the path for Harris to ascend to the role of Taoiseach. Despite strong encouragement for Humphreys to enter the fray, she ultimately opted to remain in her current ministerial position. The alliance between Harris and Humphreys, described as a close bond akin to a mother-son relationship, solidified with Humphreys endorsing Harris during a press conference. As anticipation mounts for a Cabinet reshuffle under the new leadership, speculation looms over the fate of long-serving minister Simon Coveney, with indications suggesting a potential overhaul in key ministerial roles, including the possible reassignment of Justice Minister Helen McEntee.
