Simon Harris is poised to assume the leadership of Fine Gael, with nominations set to close later today. This development positions Mr. Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, as the prospective youngest premier in Ireland following Leo Varadkar’s unexpected resignation.
Having declared his candidacy on Thursday evening, Mr. Harris garnered endorsements from the Fine Gael parliamentary party. Additionally, several senior colleagues expressed their intention not to contest the leadership.
The anticipated absence of additional contenders will result in a truncated leadership contest, culminating in Mr. Harris’s formal announcement as leader in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Sunday afternoon.
Subsequently, he is expected to be elected Taoiseach in the Dail in April after the Easter recess, making him the country’s youngest premier at 37.
In his remarks, Mr. Harris affirmed his unwavering commitment to the government’s program, which was agreed upon with coalition partners Fianna Fail and the Green Party.
While he has not ruled out the possibility of a general election this year, he emphasized that it is not his primary focus. The surprise resignation of outgoing Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Wednesday caught many by surprise.
With all other senior Fine Gael cabinet ministers opting out of the race, Mr. Harris has expressed gratitude for his overwhelming support for his leadership bid, stating that he is “overwhelmed and honored” by it.