Simon Coveney has decided to step down from the Cabinet as the Dáil resumes next week. He informed incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris of this choice during discussions on Monday night.
Coveney, who represents Cork South Central, affirmed his commitment to serving as a dedicated TD for his constituency. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he expressed gratitude for his time in Cabinet and pledged to continue supporting the government’s efforts in the Dáil.
The upcoming vote in the Dáil on Tuesday, April 9th, is expected to confirm Simon Harris as the new Taoiseach. As Harris prepares to form his Cabinet, he reportedly seeks assurances from ministers regarding their candidacy in the next general election.
Last night I spoke to @SimonHarrisTD to inform him that I would not be making myself available to serve in cabinet when the Dáil resumes next week. I’ll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central and will of course actively support the Government in the Dáil.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) April 2, 2024
While Coveney’s decision to resign may suggest a potential conclusion to his political career, his response to questions about his future electoral plans remains ambiguous.
When asked by Claire Byrne on RTÉ radio, Coveney neither confirmed nor denied his intentions to run again, stating, “It’s not a yes, and it’s not a no.”
The announcement of Coveney’s resignation marks a notable development in Irish politics, with implications for the government’s composition and the future of Cork South Central’s representation.
As discussions surrounding the formation of the new Cabinet continue, the focus remains on the evolving landscape of Irish political leadership and the potential ramifications of Coveney’s departure.
