Irish minister Simon Harris is one step closer to becoming the youngest prime minister in the country’s history after the governing party Fine Gael named him its new leader on March 24, CNN reported.
The 37-year-old Harris was chosen to replace Leo Varadkhar as Fine Gael leader after the prime minister abruptly resigned.
Varadkhar, who in 2017 became Ireland’s youngest prime minister, announced on March 20 that he was stepping down as Fine Gael leader and prime minister for personal and political reasons.
While Varadkar did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving, he said he would remain in parliament.
Varadkhar served as prime minister both from 2017 to 2020 and starting again in December 2022. The 45-year-old made history as the country’s first bi-racial and gay prime minister in history.
As prime minister, Varadkhar led the effort to repeal the abortion ban in Ireland, which voters approved in a 2018 referendum.
Before that, Varadkhar was instrumental in Ireland’s effort to legalize gay marriage.
Simon Harris replacing Varadkhar as the leader of the governing party makes it all but certain he will be selected as Ireland’s next prime minister.
In accepting the post during Fine Gael’s party conference in County West Meath on March 24, Harris described it as “an absolute honor” to be named the leader of the party.
He also expressed his thanks for Leo Varadkhar’s “incredible leadership” and “significant legacy” and said that throughout Ireland’s “key moments of social change,” Varadkhar “delivered” for the country.
Currently, Harris serves as Ireland’s Minister for Higher Education. From 2016 to 2020, he served as Health Minister.
The Irish parliament is expected to formally elect Harris as prime minister when it returns after the Easter break.
