Simon Harris, at 37, is set to become the Republic of Ireland’s youngest ever head of government after a swift rise in politics. Starting as a parliamentary assistant to an Irish senator at 20, Harris seized the opportunity to make a difference and never looked back. He was propelled to the leadership of Fine Gael, Ireland’s center-right party, by his predecessor’s resignation. However, he faces the challenge of reviving his party’s fortunes at a time when support for traditional parties is waning due to a cost of living crisis and a housing shortage.
Harris, the son of a taxi driver and a teaching assistant, grew up in County Wicklow and founded an autism awareness charity as a teenager. Politicized at a young age, he entered local politics and was elected to the Irish Parliament at 24. He later became the Minister for Health, earning praise for his efforts to repeal the Eighth Amendment which effectively banned abortion. Harris’ ability to adapt and change his stance on issues has been seen as both a strength and a weakness. Some view him as a pragmatic leader willing to evolve with public opinion, while others question the depth of his principles and beliefs.
Nicknamed the ‘TikTok Taoiseach’ for his enthusiastic use of the social video app, Harris is known for his communication skills and informal approach to politics. His videos, which show him engaging with voters and campaigning, resonate with many, particularly younger audiences. As he prepares to take office, Harris faces the challenge of leading Fine Gael into local and European elections in June and a general election next year. The party’s appeal has declined since 2020, and the new premier must work to boost its standing amidst a changing political landscape.
With Sinn Féin gaining popularity and the coalition government facing criticism over pressing issues like housing and immigration, Harris will need to navigate a challenging political environment. His leadership style has been described as energetic and decisive, qualities that may help rally support within his party. The change in leadership could inject new energy into Fine Gael, much like a new coach revitalizing a team. While Harris’s predecessor, Leo Varadkar, had seen a decline in enthusiasm towards the end of his term, Harris’s high energy and enthusiasm may help bolster the party’s standing ahead of upcoming elections.
