Simon Harris is installed as Ireland’s new prime minister. He’s the country’s youngest leader
Lawmaker Simon Harris was elected as Ireland’s prime minister by parliament on Tuesday, making him, at 37, the youngest-ever leader of the country.
Harris succeeds Leo Varadkar, who unexpectedly resigned last month. Previously serving as the higher education minister in Varadkar’s government, Harris emerged as the sole candidate to lead the center-right Fine Gael party.
The Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament, confirmed Harris as taoiseach (prime minister) in an 88-69 vote.
In a ceremony at Dublin's president's official residence, President Michael D. Higgins formally appointed Harris to the post.
Harris, elected to parliament at 24, has earned the moniker “TikTok taoiseach” due to his active presence on social media. He faces significant challenges, including strained healthcare services, escalating housing costs, and an exodus of Fine Gael lawmakers, with over 10 indicating they won’t seek reelection.
“I commit to doing everything that I can to honor the trust that you have placed in me today,” Harris stated. “As taoiseach, I want to bring new ideas, energy, and empathy to public life.”
Varadkar, who previously held the record as Ireland's youngest premier when elected at 38, was also the country's first openly gay and biracial taoiseach.
Varadkar officially resigned on Monday, heralding a new chapter for Fine Gael and the coalition government.
Harris intends to maintain the coalition government until March 2025, when elections are scheduled.
However, opposition parties advocate for an early election, citing the need for new leadership and change in government. Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein, expressed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity for a shift in leadership for the benefit of the Irish public.
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