Simon Harris is expected to make history as Ireland’s youngest prime minister, following the conclusion of the leadership race within his Fine Gael party.
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The leadership position became vacant after the unexpected resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, citing personal and political reasons in March 2024.
At 37 years old, Harris, currently serving as the Higher Education Minister, emerged as the sole candidate as nominations closed on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
However, he will officially assume the role of taoiseach on April 9, coinciding with the resumption of the Irish parliament, the Dáil, after the Easter break.
Addressing party members at a selection convention in Athlone, County Westmeath, to choose party candidates for the European parliament elections in June, Harris outlined his leadership priorities.
He emphasized Fine Gael’s core values, including prioritizing businesses, supporting workers, and upholding law and order.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to lead, Harris received a standing ovation from the audience. Heather Humphreys, the Social Protection Minister, is expected to be named as the deputy leader of the party.
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While Harris has not indicated any imminent changes to the Fine Gael ministerial lineup, there is speculation of potential reshuffling, with Minister Simon Coveney rumored to be among those affected.
Varadkar’s resignation came after the government’s setbacks in recent referendums aimed at updating references to women and the family in the constitution.
Harris, widely praised for his communication skills, previously held ministerial roles, notably in health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Initially, Ireland was expected to head to the polls in October 2024, following a budget announcement in September.
However, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders advocate for the government to fulfill its remaining 12-month term.
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