Simon Harris has been officially elected as the youngest serving Taoiseach today (Tuesday, April 9) following the Dáil vote.
Harris was elected 88 votes to 69 today, after the sudden resignation of Leo Varadkar three weeks ago.
He has become Ireland’s fifteenth Taoiseach at the age of 37, leaving his post of Fine Gael leader.
Harris previously served as Minister for Health from May 2016 to June 2020, and as minister of state at the departments of finance, and Taoiseach with Special Responsibility for the office of public works (OPW), Public Procurement, and International Banking from 2014 to 2016.
Speaking at the 82nd Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the University of Galway, the minister said farmers work needs to be “rewarded, respected and valued”.
He said that he wanted farmers to know “Fine Gael will never talk down to you on climate action”, but instead sit down and work with and for farmers.”
Harris said he wanted to engage in a new partnership on agriculture where farmers are central to change.
“For example, I want to implement the agri-environment strategies – such as the biomethane strategy – so farmers can earn a good income while protecting our environment,” Harris said.
Former Taoiseach
Upon the resignation of former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, he wished Harris “every success” in his new role.
Deputy Varadkar reflected on his successes during his time in the role.
The deputy mentioned more investment in areas like new housing, new healthcare facilities, school buildings and climate action.
“We established the Technological Universities and the Rural Development Fund, and we have quadrupled overall annual investment in public infrastructure.
“This has meant considerably more investment in areas like new housing, new healthcare facilities, school buildings and climate action,” Deputy Varadkar said.
He also said that Ireland is “turning the tide” on climate and biodiversity loss.
Greenhouse gas emissions are now falling, renewable energy is booming and Ireland no longer a laggard on climate change,” Deputy Varadkar added.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin also wished the new Taoiseach well for the months ahead.
“At this critical moment, where we face often dramatic challenges at home and internationally, instead of questioning the democratic legitimacy of this vote we should be grateful of the fact that we have a robust democracy,” the Tánaiste said.