Simon Harris denies asking minister Patrick O'Donovan to resign

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed he was the Cabinet colleague who spoke to media minister Patrick O'Donovan by telephone shortly before the minister took ill, but denied asking him to resign. According to the Irish Examiner and the Irish Independent, Mr Harris dismissed newspaper reports that the exchange was tense or heated. Mr O'Donovan fell ill during an EU event. [1][2][3][4]

The Irish Examiner reported that Mr Harris insisted the telephone call was routine, although he declined to give details about what was discussed. The Tánaiste had just returned from two weeks of paternity leave. He also denied briefing a newspaper about the minister. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Mr O'Donovan remains in hospital in stable condition after experiencing a suspected seizure during an EU presidency event at the University of Limerick. Mr O'Donovan, who is an Irish Fine Gael politician and Teachta Dála for Limerick County, has served as Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport since January 2025. [5][7]

According to the Irish Independent, Mr Harris confirmed that Mr O'Donovan is doing well. The Irish Examiner reported that Mr Harris said the minister's return to work will depend on medical advice. [1][2]