Simon Harris has been formally appointed Ireland's youngest-ever Taoiseach.

Mr Harris was nominated by the Dáil with a majority vote of 88 to 69 after he was proposed by Fine Gael and supported by Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and a number of independents.

He then travelled to Áras an Uachtaráin where he was formally appointed by President Michael D Higgins.

Before the vote was held, opposition parties and independent groups voiced their opposition to the change in leader and continued their calls for an election.

'New ideas and energy'

In a speech after the vote, Mr Harris said he would 'move mountains' to build more homes during his time in office.

"I accept this new role in a spirit of humility, ready for the challenge and full of energy and determination about what can be achieved," he said.

"As Taoiseach, I want to bring new ideas, a new energy and a new empathy to public life.

"But politics is not about the office holder. This is not about me; it’s about all of us working together to serve the people."

Newly elected Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD was presented with his warrant of appointment and seal of office by @PresidentIRL Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today. pic.twitter.com/C10QwoTaRL

— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) April 9, 2024

Acknowledging that there is "lots to do", the incoming Taoiseach described housing as "the greatest societal and economic challenge of our generation".

"Today, I recommit to moving mountains to help build more homes and drive more home ownership," he said.

"I will work tirelessly to support the delivery of Sláintecare and will prioritise the delivery of mental health services and a step change in how we care for our older people.

"I want to work with colleagues across the House to deliver real and meaningful reform for people with disabilities.

"As Taoiseach, I want to see everyone reach their full potential".

'My driving force'

Minister Harris said he would lead the coalition "in a spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual respect".

He also paid tribute to Leo Varadkar, saying the history books would record "the incredible service he did for our country dealing with some of the biggest challenges of our time - most notably Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic".

Incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris is congratulated by party colleagues and well-wishers as he leaves Leinster House to go to Áras an Uachtarain to get his seal of office, 09-04-2024. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Minister Harris also paid tribute his parents who who were watching from the Dáil's public gallery.

"When I started campaigning on issues close to my heart and got involved in politics, I chose this life but my family did not," he said.

"But through every step of the journey, they have supported me without question. I want to particularly thank my parents Mary and Bart, who are here today.

"They have been my driving force, often making personal sacrifices to ensure the success of their three children.

"I hope they can be proud today of their eldest son, because I would not be standing here were it not for them," added.

Vote

Speaking before the vote was held, Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed he would be backing the new Fine Gael leader – and had a dig at Sinn Féin in the process.

“While [Sinn Féin] is attacking the democratic legitimacy of this vote, it has a unique record of privately appointing and replacing leaders without ever holding an internal election let alone a public one," he said.

Simon Harris is formally appointed Taoiseach after President Michael D Higgins signs the Warrant of Appointment before handing him his seals of office.

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) April 9, 2024

Opposition parties warned that Mr Harris will mean more of the same – and said a general election should be called without delay.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Deputy Harris had failed his way to the top.

“Out there in the real world, the experience is, if you fail and fail again, you get your P45; however, in this Government, it seems you can fail your way to the very top,” she said.

Incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris outside Leinster House. Image: Andrew Lowth/Newstalk

After the vote Mr Harris made his way out of Leinster House through a guard of honour before making his way to Áras an Uachtaráin to get his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins.

When he arrived at the Áras, he was accompanied by his wife, children, parents and members of his extended family.

He was welcomed into the State Reception Room by President Michael D Higgins, and the president signed the Warrant of Approval, officially recognising the Taoiseach in his new position.

Taoiseach Simon Harris was then handed the Seal of the Taoiseach and the Seal of Government, finalising his acceptance of the role.

The newly elected Taoiseach and head of Fine Gael has now departed from Áras an Uachtaráin to turn his attention to the appointment of his Cabinet ministers.

He'll return to Phoenix Park later this evening where the President will sign the Warrant of Appointment for the Members of the Government and the Warrant of Appointment of the Attorney General, each of which will be countersigned by the Taoiseach.

Simon Harris shakes President Michael D Higgins hand after his formal appointment as Taoiseach. Image: Emily Keegan/Newstalk

In his farewell speech earlier this morning, outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he always knew Mr Harris, “would be Taoiseach one day” – adding that today was “perhaps a bit sooner than he would have planned or expected”.

He also used his speech to defend his own time in power – insisting that the problems Ireland has faced in recent years have largely come from outside the country.

“Ireland is an island, but it's not a separate planet and it's a fallacy to believe that most of our problems are homegrown or due to any particular political party or ideology,” he said.

“They're mostly global megatrends.

“We’re a small ship on a big and restless ocean and we need that ship to be crewed by good people.”

Minister Varadkar also raised the question of Irish neutrality and warned that we must be prepared for the threat of a military attack on the EU.

With reporting from Barry Whyte and Emily Keegan.