Simon Harris is on track to become the youngest ever Taoiseach at age 37 after he officially declared his bid to become the next leader of Fine Gael.
Simon made the announcement on RTE’s Six One news this evening, announcing his intention to replace Leo Varadkar.
All day Simon’s Fine Gael counterparts have been paving the way for him to succeed Leo, with Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys and Justice Minister Helen McEntee both taking themselves out of the race and backing Simon. As it stands, 36 out of 55 Fine Gael members have publicly backed the Higher Education Minister to replace Leo Varadkar, meaning Simon has enough support to secure a nomination without an election. However Simon said he is prepared to fight for the position if a contest does come about.
"I am overwhelmed, honoured and a little taken aback. extremely grateful for the level of support that I've received today from all strands of our party. I really thank them for that," he said."I want to bring an energy and an enthusiasm to the leadership of Fine Gael, but I also want to bring my practical life experience. You know, I got into involved in politics somewhat accidentally, I'm an accidental politician in many ways.
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