Fine Gael leader Simon Harris refused to guarantee a senior ministry to a Galway TD if his party is returned to Government – but said regional balance was crucial in any cabinet.

Speaking to the Connacht Tribune during a visit to Galway City on Sunday, the Taoiseach said that and ‘competency’ were key to securing a position at the top table.

And while he said it would only be after the election that such commitments could be given, he said Fine Gael was pushing for two seats in Galway West.

“When you dissolve the Dáil, the party goes back to zero seats and while there has been a lot of people saying, in recent days, ‘our party wants this ministry and our party wants that ministry’, nobody has won any votes yet.

“When it comes to anybody forming a government, I know people take into consideration, most importantly, competency – people’s ability to do the job – but also things like regional balance. But we take nothing for granted in this election. We are asking for every single vote,” he said.

Mr Harris said the election of their two candidates in Galway West would be a significant boost to Fine Gael’s chances of a return to Government.

“I know Hildegarde Naughton has played a major role in the lifetime of this government . . . Seán Kyne is an incredible advocate for Galway.

“I think if we can return Hildegarde and Seán to the Dáil, it will really assist the job of getting Fine Gael back into government – and leading the next government,” he said.

Deputy Naughton said Galway needed a voice at cabinet and said, as ‘Super Junior’ Minster and Chief Whip – sitting at cabinet without a vote – for the last four years, she had secured funding for major infrastructural investment.

“Galway and the West needs its fair share of investment and that’s what drives me on.

“It’s up to us to . . . impress on people our experience, myself and Seán, here in Galway West. We can work as a dynamic team to ensure investment comes here to the West of Ireland,” she said.

“We see it in Merlin Park [surgical hub], we see it in our train stations [Ceannt and Oranmore] and I want to continue to deliver that right across Galway West,” she said of projects that were funded during the last Government.

Senator Kyne said since the election of Simon Harris as leader, there had been a boost for the party which was increasing their hopes of securing two seats.

“I think we have a great chance,” pointing to a record including the Moycullen Bypass and investment in Newcastle and Moycullen Community Centres.

“We have a very experienced team in myself and Hildegarde. Both of us, Hildegarde at present at cabinet, and me at cabinet before the last election, and as Minister of State.

“I am confident that we have a chance, but ultimately that is up to the people,” he said.

Pictured: Taoiseach Simon Harris meets baby Hazel while canvassing in Galway City on Sunday week last. Photo: Fergal Phillips.