Simon Harris has been announced as the new leader of Fine Gael and has promised this is a “moment for Fine Gael to reset”. 

He was formally announced as Taoiseach at the party’s European selection convention for the Midlands-North West constituency Sheraton Athlone Hotel in Westmeath. 

As the sole person nominated for the leadership role, he was declared leader with no contest or vote. 

Speaking at the convention this afternoon, Mr Harris said his appointment marks a “a moment for Fine Gael to reset”. 

“It is a moment for Fine Gael to reconnect,” he said. “It is a moment for Fine Gael to renew our commitment to the people. 

“It’s a hell of a lot to get done in the time ahead.” 

Harris calls for ceasefire in Gaza

The Higher Education Minister said Fine Gael will “always support democracy and freedom”. 

“Fine Gael stands as a party unafraid to speak truth to power about the catastrophe we are witnessing in Gaza and to voice in no uncertain terms the moral outrage of the Irish people,” he said. 

“I repeat my calls today for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, an end to violence in the Middle East and a political process to bring about a two-state solution.” 

Mr Harris entered the Dáil at the age of 24 and was the “baby of the Dáil”, the unofficial title given to the youngest TD in Leinster House.   

'Sinn Féin can't handle the truth'

In his speech, he noted his first speech in the Dáil was to nominate the “legendary” Enda Kenny as Taoiseach. 

“Since 2011 when Enda brought hope to a battered country, we have all soldiered together to rebuild Ireland’s economy and reputation,” he said. 

“Sinn Féin can’t bear to look back over what Fine Gael has achieved since pulling our economy back from the brink... they can’t handle the truth.” 

Mr Harris promised to ensure security, make the economy “work for people” and to “bring back the grassroots” of the party. 

“I know I won’t get everything right,” he said. “But I am going to bring energy and renewal to this party. 

“I want to win back your trust.” 

09/03/2011. First day of the 31st Dail. Newly elected Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris arrives at the Dail for the first sitting of the 31st Dail. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

The new Fine Gael leader concluded with a quote from poet Seamus Heaney: “Hope is not optimism, which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for.” 

“I promise to do my damnedest for the good of this party and more importantly for the good of Ireland.” 

Mr Harris will be nominated as Taoiseach on April 9th when the Dáil returns from Easter recess.

At 37, he will be the youngest Taoiseach in Irish history, just a few months younger than Mr Varadkar was when he came to the position in 2017.