Simon Harris to Become Ireland’s Youngest Premier

The Cabinet minister is confirmed as the new leader of Fine Gael following Leo Varadkar’s shock exit. He’s set to become the new taoiseach on April 9.

Ireland's Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, speaks after being announced as the new leader of Fine Gael at the party's leadership election convention, in Athlone, Ireland, on March 24, 2024. Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

Simon Harris is set to become Ireland’s youngest premier after he was confirmed on Sunday as the new leader of the Fine Gael party.

The further and higher education minister, 37, is expected to replace Leo Varadkar, who made a shock resignation as taoiseach (prime minister) on Wednesday.