Politics

In Pictures: Simon Harris becomes youngest Taoiseach in history of the State

New Fine Gael leader takes position after vote in Dáil and receiving seal of office from Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin

Newly elected Taoiseach Simon Harris is applauded while leaving the Dáil. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

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Glen Murphy
Tue Apr 9 2024 - 16:29

Simon Harris was elected Taoiseach by the Dáil on Tuesday, making him the youngest person in the history of the State to hold the position.

The 37-year-old Fine Gael leader takes over from still sitting TD Leo Varadkar, following the latter’s surprising resignation announcement in late March.

Harris was nominated in the Dáil by his party’s deputy leader Heather Humphreys and seconded by Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke before a vote by TDs to elect a new leader.

Harris arrived at Áras an Uachtaráin shortly after 2pm after being nominated and elected in the Dáil by 88 votes to 69. President Michael D Higgins then presented him with the Taoiseach’s Seal of Office, the moment where he formally took the position.

Simon Harris with Government colleagues in the Dáil Chamber ahead of being nominated as Taoiseach on Tuesday. Photograph: Maxwells

Then newly nominated Taoiseach Simon Harris with his wife Caoimhe and children, Cillian and Saoirse, in the Dáil. Photograph: Maxwells

Hildegarde Naughton speaks in the chamber, ahead of Harris's nomination as Taoiseach. Photograph: Maxwells

Harris in the Dáil Chamber ahead of the vote. Photograph: Maxwell Photography/PA Wire

Protesters from the People Before Profit party outside the Dáil, ahead of the vote. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Taoiseach Simon Harris TD outside the Dáil. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times

Harris waves to the politicians and media outside the Dáil on Tuesday. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Peter Burke TD (centre) at Leinster House following Harris's election as Taoiseach. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Time

Harris steps in to a car before leaving the Dáil and heading to Áras an Uachtaráin. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Harris arrives at the Áras. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

Harris meets with President Michael D Higgins in the latter's office at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photograph: Maxwell Photography/PA Wire

Harris and Higgins sign the paperwork at the Áras. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Harris and Higgins with the seal of office for the Taoiseach. Photograph: Damien Storan/PA Wire

Harris leaves the Áras to head back to the Dáil where he will give a speech and announce the new ministers in his Cabinet. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times

Simon HarrisFine GaelLeo VaradkarHeather HumphreysMichael D Higgins