SIMON Harris became Ireland’s youngest ever prime minister Tuesday, pledging to bring “new energy” to the role but conceding that time is tight before looming crucial election tests.
Harris, 37, replaces Leo Varadkar who abruptly quit last month citing personal and political reasons.
Ireland’s parliament voted 88 to 69 in favour of Harris who was officially installed at a ceremony with President Michael D. Higgins.
The centre-right Fine Gael party — part of a three-party governing coalition — selected Harris as its leader following an uncontested election after Varadkar resigned.
But he faces key elections within months as well as domestic pressure to tackle crises over housing and opposition to migration.
On accepting the nomination, Harris told parliament: “This is very much a partnership government and I intend to lead us in the spirit of unity, collaboration and mutual respect,” he said, watched by his wife and two children.
“I want to bring new ideas and new energy and, I hope, a new empathy to public life. Time is certainly short, and there’s a lot to do,” Harris added.
Varadkar quit last month saying that at the age of 45 he no longer felt he was the “best person” to lead the country. Varadkar, the youngest prime minister when first elected in 2017, said Tuesday said he “always knew” Harris would fill the top job.
“This has perhaps come a little bit sooner than he might have planned or expected. But I know he will rise to the occasion,” Varadkar said.
“He has the empathy, energy, experience, campaigning skills and political antenna to take us forward.”
