Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Simon Harris became Ireland’s youngest ever prime minister Tuesday, April 9 pledging to bring “new energy” to the role.
Harris, 37, replaces Leo Varadkar who
abruptly quit last month citing personal and political reasons.
On Tuesday, Ireland’s parliament voted 88
to 69 in favour of Harris who was then officially installed at a ceremony with
President Michael D. Higgins.The centre-right Fine Gael party selected Harris
as its leader following an uncontested election after Varadkar resigned but the
young politician faces key elections within months as well as domestic pressure
to tackle crises over housing and opposition to migration.
Harris told parliament:
“This is very much a partnership government
and I intend to lead us in the spirit of unity, collaboration and mutual
respect,” he said, watched by his wife and two children.
“I want to
bring new ideas and new energy and, I hope, a new empathy to public life. Time
is certainly short, and there’s a lot to do,” Harris added.
Varadkar quit last month saying that at the
age of 45 he no longer felt he was the “best person” to lead the country.
Varadkar, the youngest prime minister when first elected in 2017, said Tuesday
said he “always knew” Harris would fill the top job.
“This has perhaps come a little bit sooner
than he might have planned or expected. But I know he will rise to the
occasion,” Varadkar said
“He has the empathy, energy, experience,
campaigning skills and political antenna to take us forward.”
Harris joined the youth branch of Fine
Gael at the age of 16 and quickly rose through its ranks.
A county councillor at the age of 22, he
was elected to parliament in 2011 as a 24-year-old.
At the time he was the youngest MP and was nicknamed “Baby of
the Dail” (Irish parliament)
He was appointed health minister in 2016
aged just 29 and higher education minister in 2020.Also, Harris’ prominence on
social media, especially TikTok, has made him one of the most visible
politicians in Ireland.
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