Irish PM Simon Harris’s party Fine Gael drops six points in pre-election polls amid ‘Simon slump’. The party is now under pressure after a disastrous interaction with an angry care worker Charlotte Fallon. Harris has apologized repeatedly for his handling of the exchange, admitting he got it completely wrong.
Harris’s Disastrous Interaction with Care Worker
Taoiseach Simon Harris was filmed dismissing concerns raised by disability care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, County Cork. Fallon accused Harris of doing “nothing” for her sector in the budget and said she was not confident that real changes would be made if he were returned to power.
Harris’s Apologies
Harris has been forced to apologize repeatedly for his handling of the exchange with Fallon. He admitted on Monday that he had handled it badly, saying “I got it completely wrong. I was wrong, simple as.” He also spoke to Fallon and apologized for falling short.
Importance of Pay Dispute for Disability Workers
The pay dispute between disability workers like Fallon and those employed elsewhere in the Irish health service is a critical issue. Fallon said that it was “beyond time” that the government rectified this difference in pay.
Three-Way TV Debate on Tuesday Night
A three-way TV debate will take place on Tuesday night between Harris, Micheál Martin (leader of Fianna Fáil), and Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin leader). This debate is expected to be closely watched as the parties try to gain an advantage ahead of the election.
Fine Gael Struggles to Contain Damage After Disastrous Interaction with Care Worker
Fine Gael, the centre-right party led by Taoiseach Simon Harris, has dropped six points in pre-election polls amid what has been dubbed the “Simon slump”. The party’s momentum had drained after Harris’s disastrous interaction with a care worker, Charlotte Fallon, in Kanturk, County Cork.
Polls Show Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin Neck and Neck
The Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll showed that Fine Gael is predicted to get around 19% of the vote, with Sinn Féin ahead by one point on 20% of the vote, and Fianna Fáil two points ahead at 21%. The three largest parties are now within two percentage points of each other.
Harris Struggles to Contain Damage
Harris has been forced to apologise repeatedly after his testy handling of concerns raised by Fallon. In footage that went viral, Fallon accused Harris of doing “nothing” for her sector in the budget and said she was “not confident” that real changes would be made if he were returned to power.
Harris Admits He Handled Exchange Badly
Harris admitted on Monday that he had handled the exchange badly. “I got it completely wrong. I was wrong, simple as,” he said, adding that he had spoken to Fallon and apologized for falling short.
Harris’s Brother with Additional Needs
In an interview with RTÉ, Harris said: “I didn’t meet my own standards, let alone anybody else’s.” He was particularly annoyed with himself because he had a brother with additional needs.
Background
Fine Gael had looked sure of victory just two weeks ago but is now under pressure after a disastrous interaction with an angry care worker.
Polls Show Fine Gael in Third Place
An Irish Times poll on Monday showed that Fine Gael has lost its commanding lead and is now down six points. The three largest parties – Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin – are all within two percentage points of each other.
Harris’s disastrous interaction with care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, County Cork has caused significant damage to his campaign.
