Latest news with #TÁNAISTE
The Journal
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Who would you rather see as Fine Gael's presidential nominee?
TÁNAISTE AND FINE Gael leader Simon Harris has confirmed that his party will open presidential nominations will open in early July. Seán Kelly MEP has said that he has not made a final decision on seeking a nomination, but the expectation is that he will. Advertisement Meanwhile, former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has not ruled out running. Some party sources have said that she is 'everywhere', suggesting that she is actively building support. Harris previously told The Journal that he believes an internal contest for the presidential bid 'could be healthy'. So, today we're asking you: Who would you rather see as the Fine Gael presidential candidate? Poll Results: Mairead McGuinness (177) Someone else (let us know in the comments) (78) Seán Kelly (47) Seán Kelly Mairead McGuinness Someone else (let us know in the comments) Vote
The Journal
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Tánaiste says three Irish citizens and their dependents were helped to depart Iran overnight
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said that three Irish citizens and their dependents, including two children, were helped to evacuate Iran overnight and will now travel home. In a statement, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence thanked 'our European friends and partners for their excellent support'. 'All citizens still in Iran are reminded to register at so we can stay in touch and keep you updated on important developments,' he said. It follows the successful evacuation of 15 Irish citizens and their dependents from Israel yesterday. Tensions in the Middle East are continuing to escalate after the US bombed three nuclear enrichment sites in Iran following a week of missile strikes between Tehran and Tel Aviv that began after Israel pre-emptively attacked its military and nuclear facilities. Advertisement The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Irish citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran during this period amid the anticipation of further missile strikes from both sides. There had been discussions in recent days regarding the potential evacuation of Irish passport holders who are residing in Israel and Iran. The Tánaiste had said that Ireland was working with other EU member states to help people leave 'when it's possible and safe to do so'. Around 29 Irish citizens in Iran had registered with the Irish embassy, with around 200 registering in Israel. No plans have been put into effect for Irish troops to evacuate Irish citizens from either Iran or Israel. Sources have told The Journal that there are not yet any proposals to deploy an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) to the region. It is understood that the Army Ranger Wing, which was previously been deployed with ECATs in Afghanistan and Sudan, has not been ordered to prepare for Irish evacuations from Iran or Israel. Related Reads Tánaiste says 15 Irish citizens and dependants have departed from Israel Ireland's reaction to the US bombing Iran: 'Extremely dangerous spiral of escalation' US bombs caused 'extremely severe damage and destruction' to three Iranian nuclear sites Harris said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Irish Embassies have remained in regular contact with Irish citizens in the region throughout the conflict. 'We have worked closely with our EU and other partners to exchange information and coordinate our consular response to the situation,' he said. Harris is travelling to the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels today , where the weekend's US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran is expected to dominate proceedings. He is expected to update his fellow foreign ministers on a call he had with Iran's deputy foreign minister yesterday, and urge the EU to use all channels to call for de-escalation and to attempt to salvage negotiations over Iran's nuclear energy programme. Harris will also address Israel's ongoing war on the Palestinian enclave, where the world is watching 'dystopian scenes' unfold. He will say that it is his expectation that the EU will take 'swift and concrete action' in response to the review of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Post
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
‘Concerned' Tánaiste calls for ‘restraint' as Israeli-Iranian conflict escalates
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has called for a deescalation of the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran. Strikes between the two nations have intensified over the weekend. The conflict erupted on Friday, June 13, after Israel attacked nuclear and military sites in Iran, which saw Iran retaliate with aerial attacks. More than 220 people have been killed in Israeli strikes so far, according to Iran's health ministry, while Israel says Iranian attacks have killed 24 people. Mr Harris, who is Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will attend a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers by video conference today to discuss the conflict and the EU response to it. 'I am deeply concerned about the escalation in Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian strikes on Israel,' he said ahead of the meeting. 'Civilians are impacted in both countries,' he added. 'Deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure is a violation of International Humanitarian Law,' he explained. 'I call for restraint and de-escalation by all involved and for those with influence to use it positively at this critical moment. 'Further escalation of this conflict brings a very real risk of regional spill over. This would be disastrous for all the peoples of the region.' Today's meeting will see EU leaders discuss actions which they can take to help bring an end to the violence. 'I look forward to discussing with my colleagues how the EU can support international efforts to bring about urgent de-escalation, to allow space for dialogue and diplomacy,' Mr Harris said. 'A lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can best be ensured through a negotiated solution.' The Tánaiste claims Ireland's embassiesd in in Tehran and Tel Aviv remain in 'close contact' with Irish citizens based there. 'Any Irish citizens in the region are advised to remain in close contact with their nearest Embassy, to be vigilant, and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place,' he said. 'We continue to advise against all travel to Iran and Israel for Irish citizens.' See More: Conflict, EU Foreign Ministers, Iran, Israel, Strikes, Tánaiste
Irish Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Tánaiste to discuss Trump tariffs with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris is in Brussels today to meet with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and trade ministers from fellow EU nations. Discussions are due to tackle the impending trade tariffs set to be imposed on inports from the EU into the US. 'Ireland's consistent position remains that we need to get into a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States,' Mr Harris said ahead of the visit. 'Negotiations remain the main focus for both the EU and Ireland,' he added. 'At the same time, we understand the need for the EU to undertake further internal preparations in case negotiations are unsuccessful. 'This is a sensible and measured approach. I look forward to engaging with Commissioner Šefčovič and my European counterparts this morning where I will re-affirm Ireland's commitment to EU unity on this issue.' Following the Tánaiste's will bilateral meeting with Commissioner Šefčovič a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade will take place. This will allow EU trade ministers to 'exchange policy views on EU trade relations with the US and the Commission will update Ministers on the negotiations to reach a balanced and mutually acceptable solution', Mr Harris' office explains. 'There will also be a discussion on the EU's list of possible countermeasures, published last week, to defend its consumers and industry only in case negotiations with the US fail,' they added, before confirming that the Tánaiste will 'set out Ireland's position as it seeks to avoid any unintended consequences for the Irish economy'. 'Europe must take a balanced approach to economic security,' Mr Harris said. 'We of course must always seek to protect the EU Single Market, but at the same time we must also promote the EU's com.' While in Brussels Mr Harris will also hold bilateral talks with the Spanish Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo.
Irish Post
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Tánaiste Simon Harris calls for review of EU-Israel trade agreement
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has called for a review of the European Union's trade agreement with Israel. The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner, accounting for 28.8 per cent of its trade in goods in 2022, with EU imports from Israel worth €17.5bn. Earlier this week, Mr Harris and five other European Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement expressing their concerns over Israel's plans to expand its military operations in Gaza. Taking to Twitter/X today, Mr Harris has now called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which is the basis for the EU's trade relations with Israel. In his post, the Tánaiste appeared to allude to Article 2 of the agreement, which says relations between both the EU and Israel 'shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles'. "The EU-Israel Association Agreement has clauses on human rights," wrote Mr Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence. "It says relations shall be based on respect for human rights. These words must have meaning. "There must be a review of the agreement. The world is not doing nearly enough. The EU must show leadership. The EU-Israel Association Agreement has clauses on human rights. It says relations shall be based on respect for human rights. These words must have meaning. There must be a review of the agreement. The world is not doing nearly enough. The EU must show leadership — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 11, 2025 "I intend to pursue this with European colleagues. "We are duty bound to do everything possible to bring about a cessation of violence, a major surge of humanitarian aid and the immediate release of all hostages." Article 79 of the agreement says either party may take 'appropriate measures' if it feels the other party has failed to fulfil an obligation under the agreement. Mr Harris' calls echo those of Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who also called for a review of the agreement this week. In a letter to Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Veldkamp urged a review of Israel's compliance with the agreement. He also proposed withdrawing support for the EU-Israel Action Plan, first agreed in 2005, which aims to implement the association agreement. According to Politico, which obtained a copy of the letter, Mr Veldkamp wrote: "I withhold the support of the Netherlands for extending the EU-Israel Action Plan pending a review of Article 2." Politico adds that the EU-Israel Action Plan requires unanimous support from all 27 EU countries to renew. See More: Israel, Simon Harris
