In a historic session on Tuesday, 37-year-old Simon Harris was elected as Ireland’s youngest Prime Minister. With 88 TDs backing his election and 69 opposing, Harris assumed office after Leo Varadkar’s resignation as Prime Minister and Fine Gael leader. His ascent to power followed his recent election as party leader at Fine Gael’s annual conference.
Hours into his tenure, Prime Minister Harris initiated a cabinet reshuffle, appointing new ministers within his party. Peter Brooke steps in as Minister for Enterprise, succeeding Simon Cowan. Meanwhile, Patrick O’Donovan takes over the Higher Education portfolio, previously held by Harris himself, while continuing as Minister of State for Public Works.
Former Minister of State for Health, Hildegarde Naughton, transitions to Minister of State for Special Education, filling the vacancy left by Josepha Madigan. Notably, Naughton retains her role as government chief whip.
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill assumes the role of Minister of State for European Affairs, succeeding Peter Burke. Formerly serving as Minister of State for Financial Services, MacNeill’s appointment reflects a strategic reshuffle.
Speculation surrounding potential changes in key positions, including Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Finance Minister Pascal Donahoe, and Social Security Minister Heather Humphries, proved unfounded as they continue in their roles.
Prime Minister Harris aims to usher in a new era of governance, promising to uphold the trust vested in him by the parliament and the people of Ireland.