Simon Harris has Ireland’s youngest-ever prime minister at the age of 37. On Tuesday, he was officially installed as taoiseach (Irish prime minister) by members of the Dail (Irish parliament). He replaced Leo Varadkar, who suddenly announced he was stepping down last month.
According to sources , Mr Harris’ nomination was confirmed by a decisive 88-69 vote, with support stemming from independent lawmakers, as well as coalition partners Fianna Fail and the Green Party.
Speaking at the Irish parliament, Mr Harris described the new election as a “very special day”. “I accept this new role in a spirit of humility, ready for the challenge and full of energy and determination about what can be achieved,” he said, as per the sources. He added that Ireland must never take peace for granted and he pledged to guard and honour his role “as protector and guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement”.
Mr Harris is now the head of the centre-right party called Fine Gael, which is in coalition with Fianna Fail and the Green Party. Speaking at the Dail, the 37-year-old vowed to lead the coalition government in a spirit of “unity, collaboration and mutual respect”. He also said that he wanted the government to run for a full term.
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