Dublin [Ireland], March 25: Simon Harris has been confirmed as the new leader of Ireland's governing Fine Gael party, paving the way for him to become the country's youngest-ever premier.
The announcement was made in the town of Athlone by the chairman of the party's executive council, Willie Geraghty, after nominations closed and no other candidates put their names forward for the leadership.
Harris, 37, currently the further and higher education minister, will be formally elected as Ireland's premier - or "taoiseach" - in April following the Easter recess.
It follows the shock announcement by Leo Varadkar that he would be stepping down as Fine Gael leader and would resign as taoiseach as soon as his successor was selected. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune