Just 12 hours after the Taoiseach’s bombshell announcement that he was stepping down, it became abundantly clear that the Higher Education Minister was the one person in contention to take on the role
Simon Harris will be the new Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael as all senior ministers bowed out of the race to succeed Leo Varadkar.In the hours following the Taoiseach’s bombshell announcement he was stepping down, it became abundantly clear that the Higher Education Minister was the one person in contention to take on the role.At 37, Mr Harris will become the youngest Taoiseach when he takes over the reins on April 9, a title previously held by Mr Varadkar who became Taoiseach in 2017 at 38.
He continued: “I also want to bring my practical life experience. I got involved in politics somewhat accidentally. I'm an accidental politician in many ways. From Wednesday lunchtime, it became clear that Mr Harris was the favourite to take over from Mr Varadkar. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said that while she did give the role “serious consideration”, she decided not to put her name forward and to back Mr Harris.
There were some hopes within Fine Gael that a competition for the leadership would take place, with many believing it would be beneficial for the party.
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