Simon Harris has achieved the distinction of being the youngest individual ever to be chosen as the Taoiseach, following his election to this position by the Dáil on Tuesday. The 37-year-old leader of Fine Gael, now takes the helm from Leo Varadkar who is still an active TD, but unexpectedly announced his decision to step down in late March. Harris’ nomination for the role was put forth in the Dáil by his party’s Deputy Leader, Heather Humphreys, and was supported by Peter Burke, the TD for Longford-Westmeath. After this, a vote was conducted among the TDs to confirm the new leadership. With the affirmation from the Dáil, represented by 88 votes in favour and 69 against, Harris made his way to Áras an Uachtaráin shortly after 2pm. Here, President Michael D Higgins formally handed him the Taoiseach’s Seal of Office and welcomed him to his new position.