Tony O’Reilly-
Ireland has welcomed its youngest-ever Taoiseach as Simon Harris, a 37-year-old father-of-two, prepares to assume leadership following the resignation of Leo Varadkar.
The Dail parliament convened on Tuesday, April 9, with expectations high for the formal election of Mr. Harris(pictured) as Ireland’s 15th Taoiseach.
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Harris succeeds Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach — Irish for leader — following a 88-69 vote by lawmakers. He will be presented with his seal of office by President Michael D. Higgins Tuesday afternoon.
Harris, formerly an education minister, ran unopposed to succeed Varadkar as leader of the center-right Fine Gael party.
At 37, Harris will be the youngest-ever Taoiseach, taking that record from Varadkar who was 38 when he assumed the post in 2017.
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In a speech after becoming presumptive Taoiseach-in-waiting, Harris said this was an opportunity for the party to “reset.”
“Under my leadership, Fine Gael stands for supporting businesses, especially small businesses… Fine Gael stands for supporting the family farm… Fine Gael stands for law and order, on the side of An Garda Siochána (police), where our streets are safe and crime is never allowed go unchecked,” he said, according to a Reuters report from a party event.
The impending transition marks the end of an era as Leo Varadkar reflects on his tenure in government, describing it as the “most fulfilling and rewarding time” of his life.
Varadkar’s resignation paves the way for a new chapter in Irish politics, with Simon Harris poised to lead the country into uncharted territory.
In his address to the Dail, Varadkar acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, “But today is the beginning of a new era for my party, a new chapter in my life, and a new phase for this coalition government.”
His sentiments emphasise the anticipation surrounding Harris’s ascent to the highest office in the land.
The proceedings in the lower house of parliament are expected to culminate in the nomination of Mr. Harris as Taoiseach, with speeches from government parties and opposition members alike.
While calls for a general election may resonate from various quarters, the Government’s majority in the Dail all but ensures Mr. Harris’s victory in the upcoming vote.
Harris is poised to guide Ireland through the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, embodying a new era of governance and progress.
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