Simon Harris Apologises to Kanturk Care Worker After Controversial Walkaway Incident

Simon Harris, leader of Fine Gael, has apologised with ‘unreserved’ regret after he was filmed interacting confrontationally with disability care worker Charlotte Fallon in Kanturk, Co Cork. The incident has received wide attention and criticism. Admitting his mistake, Simon Harris insisted that he hadn’t been good enough at engaging with Ms Fallon as she had questioned the obstacles faced by carers and disability workers.

Acknowledgement and Apology

Simon Harris said he failed to give Ms Fallon the time and attention she deserved when reflecting on the incident. “The buck stops with me entirely here. I’m annoyed with how I didn’t give Charlotte the time last night. She deserved that time,” he said, adding that he deeply regretted walking away during the exchange.

Mr. Simon Harris sought rectification with Ms. Fallon the following morning. During the call, they had what he described as “a very good conversation,” where he shared his plans and vision for improving disability services. He also invited them to visit her office in a few weeks to hold the discussion there.

The Incident in Kanturk

The interaction happened when Ms Fallon came across Simon Harris at the SuperValu store. As a Section 39 worker identified herself, she explained that she had been concerned with the neglect shown by carers and the wider disability sector. “Care-takers have been ignored,” she stated, expressing her frustration over the perceived lack of action.

No, you weren’t, was the reply from Simon Harris when he first heard the claim. However, Ms. Fallon persisted, calling the disability sector “a joke” and accusing the government of doing “nothing” for their cause. After a little bit of back and forth, Mr. Harris shook her hand and walked away.

The interaction escalated as Ms. Fallon voiced her dissatisfaction, saying, “Keep shaking your hands, pretend you’re a good man, you’re not a good man.” To this, Simon Harris replied, “Okay, well if you don’t think I’m a good man…” and then walked away to speak to other people around him.

Party Response And Public Reaction

The incident provoked a lot of press scrutiny on Mr. Harris’s reaction. His party colleague Neale Richmond said he was hopeful that the planned Simon Harris and Ms. Fallon follow up meeting would be positive.

Simon Harris’s Commitment to Disability Services

Simon Harris highlighted the regret he still feels over the incident, addressing the issue further on Instagram Live. I should have talked to her. There’s no excuse on my part,” he stated.

The interaction was the end of a long day, he said, and in retrospect he admitted not spending enough time on Ms. Fallon’s concerns. “It’s not who I am. It’s not what makes me tick,” he said, underscoring his passion for disability services.

However, Mr Harris said he remained committed to increasing disability services and carers. If he was returned as Taoiseach, he said he would ‘prioritise’ this area, and disability advocacy was the reason he had entered politics.

“Disability isn’t something to be ashamed of, and we’ve got to look after people with disabilities.” We’ve got to empower them. He emphasised that we’ve got to support carers better and those who work in disability services.

A Learning Moment for Fine Gael’s Simon Harris

The Kanturk incident serves as a soft reminder of the challenges political leaders face when interacting with the public. For Simon Harris it was a humbling moment that made him process how he relates to people, especially those who are marginalised.

Ms Fallon’s impassioned remarks highlighted the frustrations of many in the disability sector who often feel ignored in the work done by Section 39, especially by workers who do that work. Simon Harris admitting to his mistake and saying he will continue to speak about these things is at least positive.

Conclusion

The planned meeting between Simon Harris and Ms. Fallon could pave the way for meaningful progress in disability advocacy. It may be an unfortunate incident but it has shone a light on key issues facing carers and disability workers, which may help to give momentum to concerted efforts to address change.

All eyes will be on Fine Gael’s leader Simon Harris to see how he turns his apology into action as the conversation continues. And it is that same willingness to listen, to learn and to act that will ultimately decide whether this moment will have a lasting impact on Ireland’s disability services.

With authenticity, and accountability paramount in a political landscape when the General Election is right around the corner, Simon Harris’ response can become a defining moment in his career in fulfilling his obligation to deliver for all citizens but particularly the most vulnerable ones.

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