Simon Harris says it’s time for Fine Gael ‘reset’ as he takes aim at Sinn Féin in first speech as party leader
IndependentMar 24
Simon Harris To Become Ireland's Youngest Prime Minister
The Facts
The Republic of Ireland's (ROI) higher education minister Simon Harris, 37, having been appointed leader of the governing Fine Gael party on Sunday, is set to become the country's youngest-ever prime minister (taoiseach).
Harris replaces Leo Varadkar, who himself became ROI's youngest taoiseach having been first elected at age 38. Varadkar, also the country's first openly gay and biracial taoiseach, announced his resignation last week.
The Spin
Right narrative
As the youngest person ever to lead the Republic of Ireland, Simon Harris — who has risen through the ranks to hold multiple positions at a young age — will bring in fresh energy and new ideas. He is ambitious and has led efficiently during multiple crises. Under his vigorous leadership, Ireland will meet challenging times with hope and determination, while Fine Gael would stand a better chance of re-election.
Left narrative
Harris, the "TikTok taoiseach," is an opportunist trying too hard to appeal to the younger generation. However, his metropolitan style of politics and over-enthusiasm will fail to save his party's flagging fortunes. Inheriting a dwindling three-party coalition government and a party down in the polls, Harris will have little room to make significant policy changes and defeat Sinn Féin at the next parliamentary elections.
Nerd narrative
There is a 33% chance that Northern Ireland will hold a reunification referendum before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction.