PM Modi Congratulates New Ireland PM Simon Harris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Simon Harris on becoming Ireland’s youngest Prime Minister.

PM Modi stated that he is looking forward to working together to strengthen ties between India and Ireland.

Taking to X, PM said, “Congratulations @SimonHarrisTD on becoming youngest ever Prime Minister of Ireland. Looking forward to work together to further strengthen India- Ireland bilateral partnership.”

Ireland’s youngest PM in Irish history was chosen by parliament to succeed Leo Varadkar. As per reports, Varadkar stepped down unexpectedly last month.

His nomination was approved 88-69, having won the backing of the Green Party and Fianna Fail, two of his coalition’s allies.

Days after former Irish PM Varadkar’s resignation, Simon Harris, 37, former health and education minister known for his early Covid-19 response, was elected head of the center-right Fine Gael party last month. He faced no opposition in his election.

As per reports, at a party conference, Harris vowed to revitalise and reset his party. He directed it back towards core values such as advancing law and order, business, and agriculture.

At the age of 16 years, Harris joined Fine Gael’s youth branch and advanced through the ranks fast.

He was elected to parliament in 2011 at the age of 24, having served as a county councillor at the age of 22.

He was dubbed Baby of the Dail (the Irish parliament) since he was the youngest member at the time.

At 29, he was appointed minister of health in 2016 and minister of higher education in 2020.

Prior to Harris, Leo Varadkar was the country’s youngest-ever leader when first elected at age 38.

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