Simon Harris on course to become Ireland’s next prime minister
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On Thursday, Simon Harris declared his intention to become the leader of Fine Gael, a centre-right political party in Ireland. He appears to be on track to become the country's next prime minister, as he has expressed his full commitment to the role.
He took action following Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's surprise resignation as the Fine Gael leader on Wednesday. Leo cited personal and political reasons, but did not disclose the specifics.
It seems that Harris, who holds the position of higher education minister, has secured the nomination to become the next leader of the political party without any opposition. This positions him to potentially become the youngest taoiseach ever in Ireland, at the age of 37.
"I am fully committed to becoming the next leader of Fine Gael. I am prepared to take the necessary steps and fulfill my duty. I am prepared to serve," Harris stated in an interview with RTÉ.
He mentioned that he will reveal his plan for the party within the following days. Additionally, he stated that he will put in maximum effort to achieve it.
On Thursday morning, numerous Fine Gael politicians such as ministers, senators, and local councillors showed their backing for Harris to take over as their next leader. In the meantime, other possible contenders, including Heather Humphreys, who is the social protection minister, and Paschal Donohoe, who is the public expenditure minister, publicly declared they would not be participating in the leadership race.
The man who is a father of two children with grey hair and has had an interest in taking on the highest position for a long time, expressed his feelings of being surprised, grateful, and humbled by the amount of backing he has received.
The political party Fine Gael had been getting ready for a competition to determine who would lead them, with entries expected to be finalized before noon on Monday.
It is currently uncertain whether Harris will be announced as the winner if he is running unchallenged. Harris, who held ministerial positions in the justice and health sectors in the past, may be declared as the taoiseach on April 9th.
A representative from the Fine Gael party mentioned that their planned campaign in three cities next week will probably continue, even if there isn't any opposition, so that Harris can present his plans to party members.
Harris, who has held a position in the government since 2011 without ever being in the opposing party, originates from County Wicklow, located in the southern part of Dublin. He is well-known for his lively, vigorous attitude towards his ministerial duties.
The task ahead of him is to bring new energy to Fine Gael, the political party currently co-governing with the centrist Fianna Fáil and Green party. This needs to happen before the local and European elections on June 7th. It's important to note that a general election must take place no later than March 2025.
According to experts, Varadkar's surprising decision to step down makes it probable that Ireland's general election won't take place until the following year. This will give the next taoiseach sufficient time to establish their leadership style.
Earlier, it was anticipated that there would be an election during autumn until Varadkar made his statement.
Varadkar, who was present in Brussels on Thursday, denied any interest in obtaining a job within the European Union. He previously became Ireland's youngest prime minister at the age of 38 when he first assumed office in 2017.
Neale Richmond, a lower-level minister in the business field and an early supporter of Harris within the Fine Gael party, stated on Irish public broadcaster RTÉ that Harris has the necessary drive, skills, and sympathy to be fit for the role of top national leader.
Sinn Féin, the leading opposition party in Ireland as per surveys, demanded an urgent general election.
