Simon Harris, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow is to be elected as Taoiseach today. At 37 he becomes the youngest person to hold the position and the 15th Taoiseach appointed since the foundation of the State. Mr Harris was first elected to the Dáil in 2011 and has held Cabinet positions in the Department of Health and Higher and Further Education. The Fine Gael Party tradition of having the youngest TD second the proposal for Taoiseach on the Dáil floor is not possible as Mr Harris is the party’s youngest TD. Deputy Heather Humphreys is to make the nomination proposal when the Dáil sits at 10.30am today. After his appointment he will make changes to the Ministerial positions held by Fine Gael partially to refresh the party front bench and also due to the resignations of Simon Coveney and Josephina Madigan.
In 2020 the Government led by Leo Varadkar decided to hold a General Election rather than face a vote of No Confidence in the then Health Minister Simon Harris. At the time the Government was in power following a Confidence and Supply deal with Fianna Fáil that meant Fianna Fáil would abstain on such votes.
Three streets adjacent to the Dáil are closed today Kildare street, Merrion Square west and Molesworth street as Garda step up security in the area following violent protests last year. Garda are also advising that while Dublin City Centre remains open for business, rolling road closures may be implemented during the day to facilitate visits to Aras an Uachtaráin, to enable the Taoiseach and Ministers to receive their Seals of Office.
