Simon Harris is Ireland’s new Taoiseach following a vote in the Dáil today and a formal appointment by the President of Ireland today, Tuesday, April 9.
With a vote of 88 yes to 69 no, Harris won the nomination in the Dáil to be appointed by the President of Ireland as the next Taoiseach.
Harris' parents, grandmother, wife, and two young children were present in the Dail for the occasion on Tuesday.
In his speech in the Dáil on Tuesday, Harris said in part: “I accept this nomination to serve as Taoiseach and I commit to doing everything I can to honour the trust so many have shown in me.”
He continued: “Today I accept this new role in a spirit of humility, ready for the challenge, and full of energy and determination about what can be achieved.
“As Taoiseach I want to bring new ideas, a new energy, and a new empathy to public life. But politics is not about the office holder. This is not about me; it’s about all of us working together to serve the people.
“We as a people, we as a country, have over the last 100 years worked tirelessly together to create our own future.
“Collectively, this country can and should be proud of the progress it has made.
“The number of people with a job is higher than ever before. The number of people accessing education is amongst the highest in Europe.
"But now is an opportune time to build a new social contract – one which renews our promise as a Republic.
"To create equality of opportunity.
"To support those who need the State the most.
"To protect our hard-earned economic success.
"To use its benefits to deliver tangible outcomes to society.”
Harris said he plans to recommit to building more homes and driving home ownership, work to support the delivery of Slaintecare, prioritize the delivery of mental health services, and a “step change” in how Ireland cares for its older people.
The new Taoiseach also made mention of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, saying: “This is a time of great challenge in the world, a time when leadership matters.
“In Ukraine we see a brave and courageous people standing firm against unprovoked war and aggression.
“In Gaza we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe.
"We see innocent children, women, and men being starved and slaughtered.
"We have not been silent on the unforgiveable terrorist actions of Hamas on October the 7th.
"Nor can we be silent on the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli Government.
"As a country, we will play our part in bringing about a ceasefire and a lasting peace."
Noting that he met with First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly on Monday, Harris pledged "to guard and honour my role as protector and guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
"We have so much more to achieve for all communities on this island.
"Ireland must never take peace and freedom for granted.
"Our political history has been defined by our quest for freedom.
"Freedom of country, freedom of conscience, the freedom to achieve freedom."
Harris promised to be a "Taoiseach for all."
After the Dáil vote, Harris traveled to Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland, where President Michael D. Higgins formally appointed him as Taoiseach.
Newly elected Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD was presented with his warrant of appointment and seal of office by @PresidentIRL Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today. pic.twitter.com/C10QwoTaRL
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) April 9, 2024
At 37 years old, Harris, who previously served as Ireland's Minister for Justice and Minister for Health, is Ireland's youngest-ever Taoiseach, beating out his predecessor Varadkar, who was 38 when he was appointed in 2017.
Harris becomes Taoiseach in the wake of Vardkar's surprise resignation as both leader of Fine Gael and Taoiseach on March 20.
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