Simon Harris has quickly risen through the ranks in Irish politics, with the possibility of becoming the youngest person to lead the Republic of Ireland. Born in 1986 in the coastal town of Greystones, County Wicklow, Harris has had a rapid and unconventional political career. He organized his first political meeting at just 16 and dropped out of college to pursue a career in politics. Since then, he has become a county councillor, a TD in the Irish Parliament, a junior minister, and the health minister, among other roles. Harris’ involvement in politics was kickstarted by his younger brother, who is autistic, leading him to organize a meeting that resulted in the establishment of an autism support and lobby group.
Throughout his career, Harris has been known for his proactive approach to issues, such as advocating for a schoolboy facing deportation and taking on the role of health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he faced criticism for a gaffe he made regarding the name of the disease during the pandemic, leading to his replacement as health minister. Despite this setback, Harris continues to serve in government and currently holds the role of minister for further and higher education.
As a family man, Harris has spoken about the importance of parenthood and how it has changed his life. While he values his role as a father, he has also made it clear that he has political ambitions and has been considered a frontrunner for the position of taoiseach. With Leo Varadkar stepping down from the position, Harris is now the only confirmed candidate seeking to become the next leader of the Fine Gael party. Given his background and experience in politics, Harris may bring a fresh perspective and approach to leadership in Ireland, making him a rising star in Irish politics.
