Simon Harris Apologizes After Viral Exchange With Care Worker

The Irish Taoiseach’s dismissive response to a disability care worker has drawn criticism and could impact Fine Gael's election campaign.

Simon Harris, Ireland’s Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, apologized to Charlotte Fallon, a disability care worker, after a dismissive exchange during a campaign stop in County Cork went viral.
Fallon confronted Harris about low pay in the disability care sector, accusing the government of neglecting workers and those they serve, which Harris initially refuted before walking away.
The incident, captured on video and viewed over two million times, has fueled criticism from political rivals who argue it reflects broader government indifference to marginalized groups.
Harris expressed regret over his handling of the interaction, emphasizing his personal commitment to disability issues and his intention to prioritize them if re-elected as Taoiseach.
The incident adds pressure to Fine Gael’s campaign, already facing scrutiny over fiscal credibility and Harris's recent missteps, as Ireland heads to the polls on November 29.