Simon Harris

• 10 Apr 2024

Simon Harris, aged 37, becomes Ireland's youngest prime minister, succeeding Leo Varadkar.

• Harris, former health and higher education minister, elected unopposed as leader of Fine Gael.
• Pledges to bring "new ideas, energy, and empathy" to public life, vows to tackle social issues.
• Faces challenges including affordable housing shortage and record numbers of asylum seekers.
• Vows to address housing crisis, acknowledges need for long-term solutions.
• Opinion poll shows housing as top concern for voters, with Sinn Fein leading in support.
• Harris's election opens possibility for re-election, with independent candidates gaining support.