In a high-profile vote, Simon Harris today officially became Ireland's next prime minister and the country's youngest leader to date.
According to The Irish Independent, the 37-year-old father of two has been appointed Ireland's 15th prime minister following the surprise resignation of Irish Unionist leader Leo Varadkar three weeks ago.
In the vote in the Irish House of Commons, Simon Harris won with 88 votes in favor and 69 against, with no abstentions. The result was officially announced at 1:18 p.m. today.
Shortly after the vote, President Michael J. D. Higgins officially handed over the seal of the Prime Minister and the government to Harris, symbolizing his official inauguration.
Prior to this, Harris arrived at the Irish presidential palace with his wife Caoimhe and children Saoirse and Cillian, where they were warmly welcomed by the presidential couple.
In his acceptance speech, Simon Harris said that by accepting the nomination, he would do everything in his power to respond to the trust placed in him by many.
In particular, he thanked his party, the Irish Unionist Party, as well as his government partners – the Irish Republicans and the Greens, as well as the independent MPs who supported his nomination.
Harris stressed that this is a coalition government and he will lead it in a spirit of unity, collaboration and mutual respect.
He also paid special tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for his extraordinary contribution to tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time, including Brexit and the pandemic, and for being a trailblazer who put the best foot forward for Ireland to shake off the worst prejudices of the past.
Harris expressed his sentiments on a day that meant so much to him. He reflected on his political journey, stressing that it was his own chosen career path. He especially expressed his deep gratitude to his family, because it was their unconditional support that accompanied him through every important moment.
He made a special point of thanking parents Mary and Bart who were present, emphasizing that they have always been the driving force behind him, often making personal sacrifices for the future of their three children.
Harris also affectionately thanked his wife, Caoimhe, for being not only his indestructible pillar but also the outstanding mother of their two children. He made a firm commitment that the role of father would always be the first duty in his life, no matter what high position he was in.
He promised that he would take on new challenges with humility in his post as prime minister, full of energy and determination for what could be achieved.
Harris wants to bring new ideas, new energy, and new empathy to public life. But he stressed that politics is not about the position holders, but "the process by which we all serve the people together."
In his first speech as a national leader, Simon Harris did not reveal many policy details, but he reaffirmed his commitment to tackling housing issues, improving health and mental health services, and expressed a vision for innovation, rewards for creativity, and a vision for a compassionate Ireland, tolerance and respect.