Tánaiste Harris denies asking O’Donovan to resign after phone call

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed he phoned media minister Patrick O’Donovan shortly before the minister fell ill at an EU telecommunications ministers’ event in Limerick earlier this month.

Harris, who has just returned from two weeks of paternity leave, said the conversation was routine and private, and he would not disclose its content to the press.

He rejected claims that he asked O’Donovan to consider his position, describing the suggestion as “bizarre” and “so far from reality”. Harris added that O’Donovan is recovering well and that there is no set timetable for his return, which will depend on medical advice.

The minister, who has previously spoken publicly about his epilepsy diagnosis, had earlier told reporters that commentary about his illness in The Sunday Times was “the ultimate betrayal”. The phone call was reported as fractious, but Harris said any characterisation of the discussion was inaccurate.

Harris also said briefings in The Sunday Times had caused hurt and affirmed his full support and confidence in O’Donovan, noting that Fine Gael remains unified.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Michael D Beckwith / Pexels.