Simon Harris set to become the new Fine Gael leader later
Simon Harris is poised to assume the helm of Fine Gael following the closure of nominations later today.
Presently serving as Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Mr. Harris emerged as the sole contender for the party leadership.
He is slated to succeed Leo Varadkar, who disclosed his resignation as party leader and Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) on Wednesday.
Initially scheduled to conclude on Monday, nominations were expedited by 24 hours.
In a memo dispatched to Fine Gael legislators on Friday, it was stipulated that the announcement of the party leader would coincide with the conclusion of the party’s Midlands North West European selection convention in Athlone on Sunday.
Furthermore, it was outlined that in the event of a single nomination, the returning officer would formally confirm that individual as the party leader.
With other potential contenders from within the ministerial ranks opting out, Mr. Harris finds himself uncontested for the top position.
From the outset, the 37-year-old garnered considerable support, with several ministers, including Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohoe, and Heather Humphreys, endorsing his candidacy.
Expressing his gratitude on Friday, Mr. Harris acknowledged feeling overwhelmed and honored by the backing he received in recent days.
Mr. Varadkar’s abrupt announcement on Wednesday, citing personal and political reasons for his resignation and affirming his belief that he is no longer the optimal candidate for the role, took many by surprise.
He also denied any “conspiracy theories” over the decision, telling reporters in Brussels there was no ulterior motive or new job on the cards.
Mr Varadkar’s resignation paved the way for a party leadership contest, but as he heads the current coalition government alongside Fianna Fáil and the Green Party in Dublin, his successor is also expected to take over as taoiseach.
At 37, Mr Harris is set to make history as Ireland’s youngest taoiseach – taking over the top role a year younger than his predecessor did in 2017.
He first entered the Dáil (lower house of Irish parliament) over a decade ago at the age of 24 as TD (MP) for Wicklow.
Mr Harris has had a rapid rise through the party ranks, landing his first cabinet role, as health minister, five years later in 2016.
In this role, he oversaw the Republic of Ireland’s vote to overturn its abortion ban and the country’s cervical cancer screening scandal.
He also oversaw the initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic, before he was replaced when the new coalition government was formed in 2020.
He has since been minister for further and higher education, research, innovation, and science, and briefly took on the justice portfolio.
