Tanaiste answers questions in relation to phone call made to Limerick's Patrick O'Donovan
Fine Gael leader denies claims he asked Patrick O’Donovan to step down from Cabinet
TANAISTE and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said he is the senior Government member who spoke with Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan before he was hospitalised.
The Communications Minister was rushed to intensive care after suffering a suspected seizure related to his diagnosis of epilepsy earlier this month.
It came after he criticised anonymous briefings against him, describing them as “the ultimate betrayal” by colleagues in Cabinet.
In the days following his hospitalisation after a summit for European leaders in Limerick, it emerged that a phone call was made.
Speaking this Wednesday, Mr Harris - who previously railed against anonymous briefings by colleagues - said he did not ask Mr O’Donovan to resign.
“I met with Patrick last night and with his family. And yes, I did speak to him on Tuesday during that conference. Conversations that I have with my ministers are private. The way I’ve seen them characterised is inaccurate,” he said.
He repeated his stance that he is looking forward to Mr O’Donovan returning to his role in Cabinet.
“He is somebody who I entered Dáil Éireann [with] on the first day [after they were elected for the first time in 2011]. He’s somebody that I’ve appointed on two occasions to Cabinet. He’s doing a demanding and important job. But the priority right now for everybody, most particularly for Patrick and his family, is him recovering and getting back to work as soon as possible in a way that works for him,” said Mr Harris, who was on his first day back from paternity leave.
He declined to address what was said on the phone, adding: “I talk to lots of colleagues on a daily basis, on a recurring basis, and those conversations, by their very nature, are private.”
“Patrick is doing well. I look forward to welcoming Patrick back to work. It was really good to be with him and with his family last week,” added Mr Harris.
Mr Harris also denied it was he who was anonymously briefing against Mr O’Donovan in The Sunday Times, after an article questioned whether the minister could continue in his position due to his health.