Simon Harris Becomes Ireland's Youngest Prime Minister In History

Simon Harris

Simon Harris, 37, took the oath of office as the youngest prime minister of Ireland

On Tuesday, April 9, Simon Harris was named Ireland's youngest prime minister ever, promising to bring fresh enthusiasm to the position.

Harris, 37, succeeds Leo Varadkar, who abruptly left last month, claiming personal and political reasons.

Harris was sworn in at a ceremony attended by President Michael D. Higgins after the Irish parliament voted 88 to 69 in favor of him.

Harris is a center-right Fine Gael party member who was elected as the party's leader without a contest when Varadkar resigned.

He will, however, soon have to contend with pressing internal problems like immigration and housing as well as approaching elections.

“This is very much a partnership government, and I intend to lead us in the spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual respect,” Harris said in his speech to the legislature, emphasizing a collaborative approach.

Recognizing the pressing nature of the issues ahead, he also pledged to bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and compassion to public life.

Varadkar, who at 38 became the youngest prime minister in history in 2017, showed his belief in Harris, saying he “always knew” Harris would become the top leader.

Varadkar commended Harris's characteristics, noting his empathy, energy, experience, campaigning abilities, and political savvy as strengths for guiding the nation ahead, even though he acknowledged that the shift might have occurred sooner than expected.

Harris joined Fine Gael's youth chapter at the age of 16, which marked the beginning of his political career. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party.

At the age of 22, he was elected as a county council member, and in 2011, at the age of 24, he joined the parliament, gaining the moniker “Baby of the Dail.”

 LHarris was named minister of health in 2016 at the age of 29, and minister of higher education in 2020.

His prominence and popularity among Irish politicians have also been bolstered by his robust social media presence, especially on sites like TikTok