The Meteoric Rise of Ireland’s Youngest Premier
Simon Harris’s journey to becoming Ireland’s youngest premier is a tale of ambition and dedication. His political career, which began with an impassioned critique of the government at the tender age of 16, has culminated in his recent appointment as the head of the Irish government. This significant achievement follows Leo Varadkar’s unexpected departure and marks over two decades of Harris’s involvement in politics.
Harris’s political ascent was rapid but well-charted. He left university at 20 to become a political aide, won a seat as a councillor at 22, entered parliament at 24, and by 29, he was already a cabinet member. His notable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic have solidified his reputation as a capable leader.
Frances Fitzgerald, Harris’s first boss and former Irish Deputy Prime Minister, recognized his unique passion for politics early on. She reminisced about his eagerness and intelligence, emphasizing his commitment to working within the political system to effect change. Harris’s drive was partly fueled by personal reasons; he founded an autism awareness charity at 15 to support his autistic younger brother Adam, an experience he regards as formative.
Fitzgerald is not alone in her admiration for Harris’s work ethic. Niall Collins, a junior minister from coalition partners Fianna Fail, praised Harris’s attention to detail and tireless dedication to his work.
Despite the time constraints of his term, which requires him to call a general election within the year, Harris faces the challenge of regaining ground against the main opposition Sinn Fein party. The recent dip in Sinn Fein’s support presents an opportunity for Harris to lead another Fine Gael and Fianna Fail government, potentially with the support of independent candidates.
Harris’s ability to compromise, as noted by Finian McGrath, a left-wing independent who served in the health department with Harris, may prove invaluable for future coalition building. McGrath shared that despite initial reservations, he found common ground with Harris, who is not only diligent but also personable outside the political arena.
As Harris navigates his new role, there is speculation about whether he will steer Fine Gael back towards its centre-right roots. While he has expressed pride in his progressive contributions, such as the 2018 referendum on abortion, he also emphasizes traditional values like law and order and support for farmers. Fitzgerald, however, remains confident that Harris will maintain the party’s current trajectory and not forsake Ireland’s social advancements.
Simon Harris’s story reflects a blend of personal conviction and political acumen—a combination that has propelled him to the pinnacle of Irish politics at an impressively young age.
