Correct Answer :   Simon Harris

Simon Harris became Ireland's youngest ever prime minister on Tuesday (9th April 2024), pledging to bring new ideas and energy to the less than 12 months he has boost the coalition government's bid to halt a first electoral victory by left-wing Sinn Fein.

The 37-year-old former health and higher education minister, best known for helping steer the initial response to COVID-19, was elected unopposed as leader of Fine Gael last month, all but assuring he would succeed Leo Varadkar as the 16th person to lead the country following his predecessor's shock exit.

"As Taoiseach (prime minister), I want to bring new ideas, a new energy, and a new empathy to public life," Harris told lawmakers following a parliamentary vote, wiping a tear from his eye before he spoke.

"Now is an opportune time to build a new social contract – one which renews our promise as a Republic. To create equality of opportunity. To support those who need the state the most. To protect our hard-earned economic success. To use its benefits to deliver tangible outcomes to society."

Harris will face the same deep-rooted problems, most notably a severe shortage of affordable housing and unease at record numbers of asylum seekers, that led to Fine Gael's stagnation under Varadkar, and inherits a coalition agreement that leaves little room for major new policy initiatives.

He made two promotions to cabinet - the bare minimum after Varadkar and former Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney stepped down. Fine Gael has seven of the 18 seats ministerial posts, which limited his options..

Source : Reuters