Simon Harris is expected to become the youngest Taoiseach in Irish history today. 

The 37-year-old will likely be the only nominee in the Dáil this morning, taking over from Leo Varadkar.

Yesterday evening, Mr Varadkar met with President Michael D Higgins to formally tender his resignation. 

Michael D. Higgins accepting the resignation of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today. Image: Áras an Uachtaráin

He will remain as Acting Taoiseach until a new leader is in place - but it is expected he will be relieved of that duty by lunchtime. 

Simon Harris is the only person likely to be put forward for election today and will then receive his seal at the Áras, before announcing his Cabinet. 

There is much speculation about who will be given the two vacant Ministries left by Simon Harris and Simon Coveney - who stood down from his role last week.

Whatever is decided, it is expected the new Cabinet will then meet the President this evening to receive their seals of office before their first meeting takes place.

Áras an Uachtaráin (official residence of the President of Ireland) in Dublin, Ireland

Speaking to Newstalk, students had their say on what issues they would like the country’s new leader to address. 

“I think a major thing is more funding to rural areas,” one woman said. 

“I’d just like to see a bit more done around that.” 

Another said Mr Harris should “focus on students - especially the housing.” 

While one young man suggested he “bring down the price of pints, I’d say - that’d be a start anyway.”

“I don’t know, I wouldn’t be fully up to the politics of it all,” he said. 

“I think a big thing for me would be student welfare, even just accommodation; it’s just really expensive and I think that’s not really accounted for at the moment.” 

If elected, Mr Harris will be Ireland’s 15th Taoiseach since the office was created in 1937 by Bunreacht na hÉireann. 

Including WT Cosgrave, who served as President of the Executive Council, Mr Harris will be the 16th Head of Government since the foundation of the State.

Main image: Simon Harris. Picture by: Alamy.com