Simon Harris has been confirmed as the new leader of Fine Gael after no other candidates came forward to challenge him. The leadership became vacant after the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced his sudden resignation “for personal and political reasons” on Wednesday. Mr Harris was the only candidate for the position at the close of nominations at 1pm today.
He will become Ireland’s youngest premier at the age of 37, beating Mr Varadkar who set the previous record when he became premier at 38 years old.
Mr Harris said he would repay the trust put in him “with hard work” during a speech on Sunday at a selection convention in Athlone, County Westmeath.
He said becoming leader of the party “is the honour of my life to lead this great party, our great party, Fine Gael”.
Mr Harris will not become taoiseach until 9 April when the Irish parliament, the Dáil, reconvenes.
Other potential candidates for the role, such as Ministers Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohoe and Heather Humphreys, were among those to throw their support behind Mr Harris.
Laying out his vision for the country, Mr Harris, who is currently the education minister, said: “Challenges can always be met if we cleave to those fundamental values which have served this nation well – hope, enterprise, equality of opportunity, integrity, security.
“I believe in public service and the power of politics to make a difference and to make people’s lives better.”
During his shock resignation speech on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said he was “not the best person for the job anymore”.
The Irish government parties have said they do not expect Wednesday’s announcement to trigger a general election.
