BREAKING: Simon Harris formally nominated as Taoiseach by the Dáil

The Dáil has formally approved the appointment of Simon Harris as Taoiseach this Tuesday. 

This makes him the youngest ever leader of the country. 

Mr Harris was officially endorsed by the Dáil, securing a 88 yes vote and a 69 no vote.

Due to lead the 34th government of Ireland, Mr Harris will meet President Higgins later this afternoon where he will be legally sworn into office.

At age 37, Mr Harris, who has been coined the TikTok Taoiseach, will replace Leo Varadkar as both Fine Gael leader and the country’s third leader in 16 months and in one Dáil term.

During his acceptance speech for his nomination in the Dáil, Mr Harris said: “As Taoiseach, I promise to preside over a government committed to public service, at a time in which commitment is so urgently required.

“Today I accept this new role in the spirit of humility, ready for the challenge full of energy and determination of what can be achieved. As Taoiseach, I want to bring new ideas, new energy and I hope, a new empathy to public life.”

Speaking in the Dáil ahead of this Tuesday’s vote, Mr Varadkar, who formally resigned as Taoiseach on Monday, April 8, said that he “always knew” that Simon Harris would be Taoiseach one day. 

He praised Mr Harris’ “energy, empathy and experiences”, as he looked at accepting the leadership role. 

Mr Varadkar received a standing ovation from the majority of Dáil members this morning when he gave his resignation speech this April 9. He also announced, surprisingly, that he will continue as a TD in his constituency. 

Once receiving President Higgins’ approval, Mr Harris will form his government later this evening.

He will soon legally become the 15th Taoiseach and since 2020, was the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.