Simon Harris Set to Become New Leader of Fine Gael
DUBLIN — Simon Harris is poised to take the reins as the new leader of Fine Gael as nominations come to a close.
Harris, the current minister for further and higher education in Ireland, emerged as the sole candidate vying for the party leadership position.
Replacing Leo Varadkar, who recently announced his resignation as party leader and taoiseach (Irish prime minister), Harris is set to step into the role.
The nominations deadline, originally scheduled for Monday, was moved up by 24 hours.
A memo circulated to Fine Gael lawmakers on Friday outlined that the party leader announcement would coincide with the conclusion of the party’s Midlands North West European selection convention in Athlone on Sunday.
If only one candidate is nominated, the returning officer will officially declare that individual as the party leader.
Harris faces no competition for the top spot after other potential contenders from the ministerial ranks opted out of the race.
Early favoritism leaned towards the 37-year-old Harris, with widespread support evident even before the nomination process began.
Ministers Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohoe, and Heather Humphreys were among those who threw their weight behind Harris.
Expressing gratitude on Friday, Harris acknowledged feeling “overwhelmed and honored” by the backing he received in recent days.
Varadkar’s sudden announcement of stepping down as Fine Gael leader and taoiseach caught many by surprise on Wednesday, citing personal and political reasons for his decision.
Dismissing any speculation or conspiracy theories, Varadkar assured reporters in Brussels that there were no hidden agendas or new job prospects influencing his resignation.
Varadkar’s exit triggered a leadership contest within the party, and his successor is expected to assume the role of taoiseach given the current coalition government structure with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party.
At the age of 37, Harris is poised to make history as Ireland’s youngest taoiseach, assuming the position a year younger than his predecessor did in 2017.
Entering the Dáil over a decade ago at 24 as the TD for Wicklow, Harris swiftly climbed the party ranks, securing his first Cabinet role as health minister in 2016.
During his tenure as health minister, he oversaw Ireland’s pivotal vote to repeal the abortion ban and addressed the country’s cervical cancer screening scandal.
Additionally, Harris led the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic before transitioning to other ministerial roles within the government.
Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie described Harris as part of a new wave of nationalist politicians who are unapologetic about their nationalist aspirations.
Currie emphasized Harris’ compassion, empathy, and understanding, particularly in relation to victims of past conflicts in Northern Ireland.
Highlighting Harris’ interest in cross-border issues, Currie mentioned his commitment to providing more educational opportunities for Northern Irish students in the Republic of Ireland.
