Simon Harris

Harris was born in Greystones, County Wicklow, in 1986. He is the eldest of three children born to Bart, a taxi driver, and Mary Harris, a special needs assistant and Montessori teacher.{{cite web|title=Siblings celebrate in style|url=http://www.independent.ie/regionals/braypeople/news/siblings-celebrate-in-style-27618836.html|publisher=Bray People|access-date=15 June 2017|date=25 October 2007|archive-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041234/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/braypeople/news/siblings-celebrate-in-style-27618836.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Harris celebrates his 30th birthday|url=http://www.independent.ie/regionals/braypeople/news/harris-celebrates-his-30th-birthday-35140942.html|publisher=Bray People|access-date=15 June 2017|date=22 October 2016|archive-date=4 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204203029/http://www.independent.ie/regionals/braypeople/news/harris-celebrates-his-30th-birthday-35140942.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Flanagan |first=Eimear |date=24 March 2024|title=Simon Harris: Profile of a man in a hurry to the top |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68624474 |access-date=28 May 2024|language=en-GB}} His sister was born on his third birthday, and his brother is eight years younger than him. A grand-uncle of his was a Fine Gael councillor in Dún Laoghaire.{{cite news|title=Simon Harris as Minister for Health: the challenge awaits|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/simon-harris-as-minister-for-health-the-challenge-awaits-1.2646917|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=15 June 2017|date=17 May 2016|first=Paul|last=Cullen|archive-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502163806/http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/simon-harris-as-minister-for-health-the-challenge-awaits-1.2646917|url-status=live}}

Harris was educated at St David's Holy Faith Secondary School in Greystones, where he was active in drama and was head boy.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2000 |title=Dream debut for young Simon |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/dream-debut-for-young-simon/27599596.html |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=The Irish Independent |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409162755/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/dream-debut-for-young-simon/27599596.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=3 June 2004 |title=St. David's hands out Student of Year awards |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/st-davids-hands-out-student-of-year-awards/27613035.html |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=The Irish Independent |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409161956/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/st-davids-hands-out-student-of-year-awards/27613035.html |url-status=live }} At the age of 13, he had written a play. He first became involved in local politics as a fifteen-year-old when he set up the North Wicklow Triple A Alliance to help the families of autistic children and children with attention deficit disorder. As a Junior Certificate student, he lobbied politicians to get better facilities to allow children with such disabilities to be integrated into mainstream education.{{cite news|title=The Icarus minister: How Simon Harris flew too high too soon|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/the-icarus-minister-how-simon-harris-flew-too-high-too-soon-35481305.html|newspaper=Irish Independent|access-date=15 June 2017|date=25 February 2017|first=Nicola|last=Anderson|archive-date=25 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425102158/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/the-icarus-minister-how-simon-harris-flew-too-high-too-soon-35481305.html|url-status=live}} Harris was a member of Fianna Fáil and canvassed for Dick Roche in the 2002 Irish general election,{{Cite web |last=Molony |first=Senan |date=21 March 2024 |title=From Fianna Fáil canvassing to teenage days in the Dáil – seven things you didn't know about Simon Harris |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/from-fianna-fail-canvassing-to-teenage-days-in-the-dail-seven-things-you-didnt-know-about-simon-harris/a2113931383.html |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=The Irish Independent |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321230650/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/from-fianna-fail-canvassing-to-teenage-days-in-the-dail-seven-things-you-didnt-know-about-simon-harris/a2113931383.html |url-status=live }} but was later convinced to join Fine Gael by Enda Kenny.{{Cite web |date=9 April 2024|title=Simon Harris: From an 'accidental' activist to Ireland's TikTok Taoiseach |url=https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/northern-ireland/1470852/simon-harris-the-energetic-commnunicator-set-to-be-elected-as-irish-premier.html |access-date=28 May 2024|website=www.limerickleader.ie |language=en}} He was elected to Young Fine Gael's national executive in 2003.{{Cite web |last=Loughlin |first=Elaine |date=24 March 2024 |title=A man who talks fast and walks at speed: Who is Simon Harris? |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41358844.html |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410034021/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41358844.html |url-status=live }}

Harris initially studied Valuation Surveying (AKA Property Economics) for a year (2004/5) before switching to Journalism and French both at Dublin Institute of Technology, and dropped out during 2005/2006 academic year to pursue a career in politics.{{Cite web |last=O'Toole |first=Lucy |date=25 January 2022 |title=Education Special – Simon Harris: "I know, in many ways, my career has been a bit odd... Life came at me a lot faster than I expected it to" |url=https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/education-special-simon-harris-i-know-in-many-ways-my-career-has-been-a-bit-odd-life-came-at-me-a-lot-faster-than-i-expected-it-to-22888686 |access-date=28 May 2024|website=Hotpress}}{{Cite web |date=June 2024 |title=From college dropout to Taoiseach: Simon Harris TD |url=https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/from-college-dropout-to-taoiseach-simon-harris-td/ |access-date=29 November 2024 |website=Eolas magazine |language=en }}

Harris began working as a parliamentary assistant to his future cabinet colleague Frances Fitzgerald in 2008, when she was a member of Seanad Éireann.{{cite news |last1=Carroll |first1=Rory |title='Always in a hurry': the rapid rise of Simon Harris, Ireland's 'TikTok taoiseach' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/simon-harris-ireland-taoiseach |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |date=7 April 2024 |archive-date=12 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412183843/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/07/simon-harris-ireland-taoiseach |url-status=live }} At the 2009 local elections, Harris was elected to Wicklow County Council,{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/special-reports/2011/0309/298500-newtds1/|title=Meet your 76 new TDs|work=RTÉ News|date=9 March 2011|access-date=30 March 2014|archive-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223171005/http://www.rte.ie/news/special-reports/2011/0309/298500-newtds1/|url-status=live}} with the highest percentage vote of any county councillor in Ireland, and to Greystones Town Council. As a councillor, he served as chairperson of the County Wicklow Joint Policing Committee and Chairperson of the HSE Regional Health Forum.{{Cite web |title=Wicklow County Council congratulates Wicklow T.D. Simon Harris on his appointment as Taoiseach |url=https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/News-Events/wicklow-county-council-congratulates-wicklow-td-simon-harris-on-his-appointment-as-taoiseach |access-date=13 April 2024 |website=Wicklow County Council |language=en-IE |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418192333/https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/News-Events/wicklow-county-council-congratulates-wicklow-td-simon-harris-on-his-appointment-as-taoiseach |url-status=live }} He was a member of Wicklow County Council's Housing Strategic Policy Committee and Wicklow Vocational Educational Committee.

Harris was elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011, taking the third seat in the Wicklow constituency. As the youngest deputy in the 31st Dáil, he was selected by Fine Gael to nominate Enda Kenny for Taoiseach, making his maiden speech.{{Cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2011-03-09/4/|title=Nomination of Taoiseach – Dáil Éireann (31st Dáil) – Vol. 728 No. 1|date=9 March 2011|access-date=21 March 2024|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627054316/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2011-03-09/4/|url-status=live}} Harris served on the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, and Reform.{{cite web|url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/public-accounts/members/|title=Public Accounts Committee – Membership|publisher=Houses of the Oireachtas|access-date=1 April 2014|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072709/http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/public-accounts/members/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/fper-committee/members/|title=Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform – Membership|publisher=Houses of the Oireachtas|access-date=1 April 2014|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072529/http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/fper-committee/members/|url-status=live}} He was also a member of the Oireachtas cross-party group on Mental Health, and introduced the Mental Health (Anti-Discrimination) Bill 2013, in June 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2013-06-26/5/|title=Mental Health (Anti-Discrimination) Bill 2013: First Stage – Dáil Éireann (31st Dáil) – Vol. 808 No. 2|website=Oireachtas|date=26 June 2013|access-date=21 March 2024|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031115218/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2013-06-26/5/|url-status=live}}

Harris ran unsuccessfully as a Fine Gael candidate in the South constituency at the 2014 European Parliament election.

On 15 July 2014, Harris was appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Public Procurement, and International Banking.{{cite journal|title=Appointment of Ministers of State|date=5 August 2014|journal=Iris Oifigiúil|url=https://irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2014/august/Ir050814.pdf|issue=62|volume=2014|pages=1173|access-date=10 August 2021|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116000405/http://irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2014/august/Ir050814.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0715/630800-ministers-of-state-appointment/|title=Simon Harris among new Ministers of State|work=RTÉ News|date=15 July 2014|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-date=20 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720122431/http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0715/630800-ministers-of-state-appointment/|url-status=live}}

During a period of intense flooding throughout the country during the winter of 2015 and 2016, Harris was forced to deny accusations that the government had left €13m in the budget for flood relief works in 2015 unspent, while he had also secured funding for flood defences in his own constituency.{{cite web |title=The Icarus minister: How Simon Harris flew too high too soon |date=25 February 2017 |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/the-icarus-minister-how-simon-harris-flew-too-high-too-soon/35481305.html |publisher=Irish Independent |access-date=13 April 2024 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505122516/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/the-icarus-minister-how-simon-harris-flew-too-high-too-soon/35481305.html |url-status=live }}

On 6 May 2016, Harris was appointed to the cabinet as Minister for Health.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2016 |title=Frances Fitzgerald is Tánaiste in new Cabinet |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/0506/786692-cabinet-announcements/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507135854/http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/0506/786692-cabinet-announcements/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=7 May 2016 |publisher=RTÉ News}}{{Cite journal |date=13 May 2016 |title=Assignment of Departments of State |url=https://irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2016/may/IR130516.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Iris Oifigiúil |volume=2016 |issue=39 |pages=653 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114121720/http://irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2016/may/IR130516.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2017 |access-date=23 October 2021}} In his first year in the job, Harris faced the possibility of 30,000 health workers and 40,000 nurses going on strike.{{cite news|title=Health minister Simon Harris criticises Siptu strike plans|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/health-minister-simon-harris-criticises-siptu-strike-plans-437046.html|newspaper=Irish Examiner|access-date=15 June 2017|date=30 December 2016|first=Fiachra|last=Ó Cionnaith|archive-date=31 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231181716/https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/health-minister-simon-harris-criticises-siptu-strike-plans-437046.html|url-status=live}} The planned strikes were later called off.{{cite news |title=Thursday's strike action by nurses has been called off |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/strike-nurses-called-off-breakthrough-2541095-Jan2016/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=The Journal |date=12 January 2016 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327012303/https://www.thejournal.ie/strike-nurses-called-off-breakthrough-2541095-Jan2016/ |url-status=live }}

In 2016, Harris contributed to the "A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025", a policy outlining "the Government's desire to assist its people to achieve better health, and in particular to reduce the levels of overweight and obesity", in which Harris claims that "the approach taken in developing this policy was based on the Government framework for improved health and wellbeing of Ireland".{{cite book |last1=Ireland Department of Health |title=A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016–2025 |date=2016 |publisher=Ireland Department of Health |isbn=9781406429268 |page=3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4eXhAQAACAAJ}}

In 2017, Harris was accused of "practising hypocrisy" over his stance on the Sisters of Charity's ownership of the National Maternity Hospital.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/simon-harris-accused-of-hypocrisy-for-backing-sisters-given-previous-stance-35641130.html|title=Simon Harris accused of 'hypocrisy' for backing Sisters given previous stance|date=21 April 2017|newspaper=Irish Independent|access-date=3 January 2017|archive-date=21 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421070331/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/simon-harris-accused-of-hypocrisy-for-backing-sisters-given-previous-stance-35641130.html|url-status=live}} The controversy saw the resignations of Peter Boylan and Chris Fitzpatrick from the board of the hospital.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/obstetrician-peter-boylan-resigns-in-dispute-over-national-maternity-hospital-35659244.html|title=Obstetrician Peter Boylan resigns in dispute over National Maternity Hospital|date=27 April 2017|newspaper=Irish Independent|access-date=13 May 2017|archive-date=8 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508060809/http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/obstetrician-peter-boylan-resigns-in-dispute-over-national-maternity-hospital-35659244.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/senior-doctor-quits-project-board-in-support-of-peter-boylan-35662575.html|title=Senior doctor quits project board in support of Peter Boylan|date=28 April 2017|newspaper=Irish Independent|access-date=13 May 2017|archive-date=6 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506160945/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/senior-doctor-quits-project-board-in-support-of-peter-boylan-35662575.html|url-status=live}} The Religious Sisters of Charity later relinquished ownership of three hospitals: St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, St. Vincent's Private, and St. Michael's. Harris was re-appointed when Leo Varadkar succeeded Kenny as Taoiseach in June 2017.{{Cite journal |date=30 June 2017 |title=Assignment of Departments of State |url=https://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2017/june/Ir300617.pdf |journal=Iris Oifigiúil |volume=2017 |issue=52 |pages=883–884 |access-date=23 October 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214912/https://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2017/june/Ir300617.pdf |url-status=live }}

File:Minister for Health Simon Harris (27538484300).jpg

Harris supported the legalisation of abortion in Ireland. He was the minister responsible for the Thirty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution,{{cite news |last1=Grace |first1=Aisling |title=Thousands attend Rally for Life in city centre |url=https://trinitynews.ie/2018/03/thousands-attend-rally-for-life-in-city-centre/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Trinity News |date=10 March 2018 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202224206/https://trinitynews.ie/2018/03/thousands-attend-rally-for-life-in-city-centre/ |url-status=live }} approved in a referendum, which removed the constitutional ban on abortion.{{cite news |last1=McDonald |first1=Henry |last2=Graham-Harrison |first2=Emma |title=Ireland moves forward with abortion law reform after historic vote |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/27/ireland-to-start-abortion-law-reform-after-historic-vote |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=27 May 2018 |archive-date=14 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414182653/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/27/ireland-to-start-abortion-law-reform-after-historic-vote |url-status=live }} He also introduced the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 which permitted abortion under specified circumstances.{{cite news |title=Abortion legislation introduced into Ireland's parliament |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2018/10/04/abortion-legislation-introduced-into-irelands-parliament/ |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Shropshire Star |date=4 October 2018 |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418192452/https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/uk-news/2018/10/04/abortion-legislation-introduced-into-irelands-parliament/ |url-status=live }}

On 26 April 2018, the HSE confirmed that 206 women developed cervical cancer after having a screening test which was subsequently deemed to be potentially inaccurate on lookback, once a woman presented with a confirmed diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and given the known limitations of screening using smear technology.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/smear-test-scandal-206-women-develop-cancer-after-allclear-36850237.html |title=Smear test scandal: 206 women develop cancer after all-clear |work=Irish Independent |date=27 April 2018 |access-date=12 May 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429223552/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/smear-test-scandal-206-women-develop-cancer-after-allclear-36850237.html |url-status=live }} In the resulting scandal, Harris was criticised for his handling of the matter on multiple occasions.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/martin-accuses-harris-of-dumping-on-cervicalcheck-team-1.3800273 |title=Martin accuses Harris of 'dumping' on CervicalCheck team |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020 |archive-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428071653/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/martin-accuses-harris-of-dumping-on-cervicalcheck-team-1.3800273 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/hse-smear-test-delays-regrettable-anxiety-women-4573556-Apr2019/ |title=Former CervicalCheck boss says Harris was warned that offering extra smear tests could cause delays |work=The Journal |date=3 April 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020 |archive-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213140427/https://www.thejournal.ie/hse-smear-test-delays-regrettable-anxiety-women-4573556-Apr2019/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/health-minister-criticised-for-describing-good-news-in-relation-to-cervicalcheck-scandal-939066.html |title=Health Minister criticised for describing 'good news' in relation to CervicalCheck scandal |work=Irish Examiner |date=24 July 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020 |archive-date=3 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903202059/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/health-minister-criticised-for-describing-good-news-in-relation-to-cervicalcheck-scandal-939066.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.eastcoast.fm/news/wicklow-news/simon-harris-under-renewed-pressure-over-cervicalcheck-scandal/ |title=Simon Harris Under Renewed Pressure Over CervicalCheck Scandal |work=East Coast FM |date=5 December 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020 |archive-date=22 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222200949/https://www.eastcoast.fm/news/wicklow-news/simon-harris-under-renewed-pressure-over-cervicalcheck-scandal/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/cervicalcheck-scandal-harris-denies-lack-of-empathy-for-women-affected-1.4106865 |title=CervicalCheck scandal: Harris denies 'lack of empathy' for women affected board |work=Irish Times |date=6 December 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020 |archive-date=7 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207174827/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/cervicalcheck-scandal-harris-denies-lack-of-empathy-for-women-affected-1.4106865 |url-status=live }}

In 2018, Harris intervened in the case of an 8-year-old Chinese boy who had been born in Dublin but was facing deportation. After an appeal to the Department of Justice, the boy was permitted to remain in Ireland.

On 20 February 2019, Harris survived a motion of no-confidence over his handling of the rising costs (over €2 billion) of the new National Children's Hospital.{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/national-childrens-hospital-dublin-overspend-13941236|title=Massive €2bn overspend on National Children's Hospital could have been avoided|last1=Flanagan|first1=Pat|last2=Quinn|first2=Trevor|date=1 February 2019|newspaper=Irish Mirror|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224424/https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/national-childrens-hospital-dublin-overspend-13941236|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/national-children-s-hospital-set-to-be-world-s-most-expensive-medical-facility-1.3734669|title=National Children's Hospital set to be world's most expensive medical facility|last=Cullen|first=Paul|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224200/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/national-children-s-hospital-set-to-be-world-s-most-expensive-medical-facility-1.3734669|url-status=live}} The motion was voted down by 58 votes to 53 with 37 abstentions.{{Cite web|last=Regan|first=Mary|date=20 February 2019|title=Minister for Health survives no-confidence vote|website=RTÉ News |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0220/1031624-no_confidence_vote/|language=en|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221145516/https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0220/1031624-no_confidence_vote/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/harris-survives-vote-after-dil-erupts-in-mudslinging-contest-37837834.html|title=Harris survives vote after Dáil erupts in mudslinging contest|website=Irish Independent|first=Kevin|last=Doyle|date=21 February 2019 |language=en|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221231051/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/harris-survives-vote-after-dil-erupts-in-mudslinging-contest-37837834.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/government-put-on-notice-to-quit-as-harris-narrowly-survives-no-confidence-vote-906054.html|title=Government put on 'notice to quit' as Harris narrowly survives no-confidence vote|date=21 February 2019|website=Irish Examiner|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221161105/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews//ireland/government-put-on-notice-to-quit-as-harris-narrowly-survives-no-confidence-vote-906054.html|url-status=live}}

Harris introduced the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020, emergency legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was enacted on 20 March 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2020-03-19/8/|title=Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Second Stage – Dáil Éireann (33rd Dáil) – Vol. 992 No. 3|website=Oireachtas|date=19 March 2020|access-date=22 March 2024|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930190541/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2020-03-19/8/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Emergency Covid-19 legislation passes all stages in the Dáil |date=19 March 2020 |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/emergency-covid19-legislation-ireland-5051280-Mar2020/ |publisher=thejournal.ie |access-date=13 April 2024 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128102131/https://www.thejournal.ie/emergency-covid19-legislation-ireland-5051280-Mar2020/ |url-status=live }}

On 27 June 2020, Harris was appointed as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, leading a new department in the government led by Micheál Martin.{{cite web|url=http://9thlevel.ie/#/article/120773|title=Simon Harris Becomes Minister for Higher Education, Innovation and Research|website=9thlevel.ie|date=27 June 2020|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628003820/http://9thlevel.ie/#/article/120773|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/speech/7e708-statement-by-the-taoiseach-micheal-martin-td-announcement-of-government/|title=Statement by the Taoiseach, Michéal Martin TD, Announcement of Government|website=gov.ie|publisher=Government of Ireland|date=27 June 2020|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627184152/https://www.gov.ie/en/speech/7e708-statement-by-the-taoiseach-micheal-martin-td-announcement-of-government/|url-status=live}} On 4 May 2022, he published "Funding our Future", a new policy on sustainably funding higher education and reducing the cost of third-level education for students and families.{{cite press release|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/11787-landmark-policy-funding-higher-education-reducing-cost-for-families/|title=Minister Harris publishes landmark policy on funding higher education and reducing the cost of education for families|publisher=Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science|date=4 May 2022|access-date=18 December 2022|website=Government of Ireland|archive-date=18 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218200425/https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/11787-landmark-policy-funding-higher-education-reducing-cost-for-families/|url-status=live}}

Harris was the Fine Gael Director of Elections for councillor James Geoghegan's campaign in the 2021 Dublin Bay South by-election.{{Cite press release|date=17 May 2021|title=Fine Gael bye-election candidate James Geoghegan intends to deliver for Dublin Bay South as bid to win Dáil seat begins|url=https://dublin-bay-south.finegael.ie/fine-gael-bye-election-candidate-james-geoghegan-intends-to-deliver-for-dublin-bay-south-as-bid-to-win-dail-seat-begins/|url-status=live|access-date=19 June 2021|website=Fine Gael|language=en|archive-date=8 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708112124/https://dublin-bay-south.finegael.ie/fine-gael-bye-election-candidate-james-geoghegan-intends-to-deliver-for-dublin-bay-south-as-bid-to-win-dail-seat-begins/}} Following Leo Varadkar's appointment as Taoiseach on 17 December 2022, he was re-appointed to the same position, as well as Minister for Justice on a temporary basis during the maternity leave of Helen McEntee.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2022/1217/1342500-cabinet-reshuffle-govt/|title=Reshuffle: Who is in the new Cabinet?|publisher=RTÉ News|first=Micheál|last=Lehane|date=17 December 2022|access-date=18 December 2022|archive-date=18 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218012318/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2022/1217/1342500-cabinet-reshuffle-govt/|url-status=live}}

File:Simon Harris and Ursula von der Leyen, April 2024 02.jpg in Brussels, 11 April 2024]]

Leo Varadkar resigned as leader of Fine Gael on 20 March 2024, triggering a leadership election. Varadkar indicated that he would also resign as Taoiseach upon the election of the new Fine Gael leader. Nominations opened at 10 a.m. on 21 March 2024. By that afternoon, more than half of the Fine Gael parliamentary party had announced their support for Harris to be the next leader and all other cabinet ministers had ruled themselves out of the contest. Harris confirmed his intention to run for Fine Gael leader on the evening of 21 March 2024 on the Six One News.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0321/1439071-fine-gael-leadership/|title=Harris confirms Fine Gael leadership bid as others opt out|website=RTÉ News|date=21 March 2024|access-date=21 March 2024|archive-date=21 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321185638/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0321/1439071-fine-gael-leadership/|url-status=live}} When the deadline for nominations was reached on 24 March 2024, Harris was the only candidate, and he was confirmed as leader at the party's meeting in Athlone the same day.{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/24/simon-harris-fine-gael-leader-contest/|title=Simon Harris pledges to win back trust of voters who no longer support Fine Gael as new leader|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=24 March 2024|archive-date=30 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330030511/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/24/simon-harris-fine-gael-leader-contest/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41359864.html|title=Simon Harris commits to 'renewal' of party in first speech as Fine Gael leader|first=Paul Hosford and Greg|last=Murphy|date=24 March 2024|website=Irish Examiner|access-date=24 March 2024|archive-date=10 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410034021/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41359864.html|url-status=live}} Both other government parties have indicated that they wish the government to run its full term notwithstanding the change of leadership.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/21/the-next-leader-of-fine-gael-prepares-to-step-into-the-fray/|title=The next leader of Fine Gael prepares to step into the fray|newspaper=The Irish Times|first=Jennifer|last=Bray|date=21 March 2024|access-date=21 March 2024|archive-date=21 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321092334/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/21/the-next-leader-of-fine-gael-prepares-to-step-into-the-fray/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/22/simon-harris-faces-range-of-demands-ahead-of-general-election/|title=Simon Harris faces range of demands ahead of general election if elected FG leader|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=22 March 2024|archive-date=22 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322092757/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/22/simon-harris-faces-range-of-demands-ahead-of-general-election/|url-status=live}} Varadkar tendered his resignation as Taoiseach to the President on 8 April.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0408/1442368-varadkar-taoiseach/|title=Varadkar formally tenders resignation as Taoiseach to President Higgins|publisher=RTÉ News|date=8 April 2024|access-date=8 April 2024|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408173718/https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0408/1442368-varadkar-taoiseach/|url-status=live}} The Dáil reconvened after the Easter recess on 9 April, when Harris was forwarded for the nomination of Taoiseach.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0325/1439772-simon-harris-taoiseach/|website=RTÉ News|title=Harris to discuss transition of power with Taoiseach|date=25 March 2024|first=Paul|last=Cunningham|access-date=25 March 2024|archive-date=10 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410034244/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0325/1439772-simon-harris-taoiseach/|url-status=live}}

File:Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Irish Taoiseach (53863701738).jpg, 17 July 2024]]

File:President Joe Biden meets with Taoiseach of Ireland Simon Harris (54057062388) (cropped).jpg, 9 October 2024]]

Following the resignation of Varadkar as Taoiseach on 8 April, Harris was nominated by the Dáil as Taoiseach on 9 April 2024, by a vote of 88 to 69. He received his appointment as Taoiseach by President Michael D. Higgins shortly afterwards as the youngest in the history of the state.{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/a-very-special-day-for-me-simon-harris-confirmed-as-taoiseach-after-receiving-seal-of-office-from-president-higgins/a1291675021.html | title=Two changes in reshuffle as new Taoiseach Simon Harris names his Cabinet | date=9 April 2024 | access-date=9 April 2024 | archive-date=9 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409144655/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/a-very-special-day-for-me-simon-harris-confirmed-as-taoiseach-after-receiving-seal-of-office-from-president-higgins/a1291675021.html | url-status=live }} Accepting the nomination of the Dáil, he paid tribute to his predecessor and acknowledged his status as the youngest elected officeholder, promising to be a "Taoiseach for all".{{cite web | url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0409/1442484-ireland-politics/ | title=As it happened: Simon Harris elected Taoiseach | website=RTÉ.ie | date=9 April 2024 | access-date=9 April 2024 | archive-date=9 April 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409145333/https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0409/1442484-ireland-politics/ | url-status=live }}

The cabinet formation of the 34th government was announced by Harris in the Dáil that evening; with the appointment of Peter Burke as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment after Coveney's departure, likewise with Patrick O'Donovan as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in replacement of Harris.{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41370313.html |title=Dáil votes to approve Simon Harris's new Cabinet |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=10 April 2024 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409194214/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41370313.html |url-status=live }}

Harris condemned the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.{{cite news |title=What's happening in Gaza is 'unconscionable', says Irish PM Harris |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/22/whats-happening-in-gaza-is-unconscionable-says-irish-pm-harris |work=Euronews |date=22 May 2024}} He also criticised Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, saying "It's not about being pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian. It's about being pro-international law. It's been about pro-human rights. It's been pro-peace. And I think what's happening in Gaza is unconscionable." Calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, Harris said: "40,000 dead in Gaza is a milestone the world must be ashamed of. International diplomacy has failed to protect innocent children, some only days old."{{cite news |title=Simon Harris: 'The world must be ashamed' as Gaza death toll passes 40,000 |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41457025.html |work=The Irish Examiner |date=16 August 2024}} Ireland announced the recognition of a Palestinian state on 28 May 2024, a move he described as "important and historic".{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cw00gyw071go |title=Ireland formally recognises a Palestinian state |date=28 May 2024 |access-date=28 May 2024 }}

In April 2024, Harris said that Ireland would not provide a "loophole" for other countries' immigration issues. This followed an increase in migration of asylum seekers from the United Kingdom to Ireland via the Irish border, due to the Rwanda asylum plan.{{cite news |title=Ireland won’t be ‘loophole’ for other countries’ migration issues says premier Simon Harris |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2024-04-28/ireland-wont-be-loophole-for-other-countries-migration-issues |access-date=1 December 2024 |publisher=ITV News |date=28 April 2024}} Harris dismissed British newspaper speculation that Ireland would join the Rwanda scheme, maintaining that Ireland would have its own immigration policy.{{cite news |last1=McCormack |first1=Jayne |last2=Gordon |first2=Gareth |title=Ireland Rwanda report 'more satire than news' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg39we555g3o |access-date=1 December 2024 |publisher=BBC News |date=3 May 2024}} In September 2024, Harris defended his statements linking homelessness and migration, by saying that the most common source of homelessness in Dublin was leaving direct provision.{{cite news |title=Taoiseach defends comments linking homelessness levels and migration |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41481343.html |access-date=1 December 2024 |work=The Irish Independent |date=23 September 2024}}

On 8 November 2024, after returning from a European Council meeting in Hungary, Harris sought a dissolution of the 33rd Dáil, which was granted by President Michael D. Higgins, and scheduled a general election for 29 November. In a speech at Government Buildings, Harris said "the time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate" and "if you give me your trust, I will give you my all".{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1108/1479764-ireland-politics/|title=Parties hit the campaign trail as General Election 2024 begins|publisher=RTÉ News|first=Fiachra|last=Ó Cionnaith|date=8 November 2024|access-date=8 November 2024}}

On 22 November, during the final weekend of the campaign, Simon Harris walked away from an emotional exchange with Charlotte Fallon, a carer from St Joseph's Foundation, in Kanturk, County Cork. Fallon, a worker in a section 39 disability organisation, accused the government of neglecting carers and people with disabilities. Harris dismissed her claims, leading to a tense exchange and his abrupt departure after she called him "not a good man". The incident, captured on video by RTÉ News, drew criticism from activists and opposition politicians who condemned Harris for his dismissive response. Fallon later said she felt "shaken" and upset. Harris rang her the following morning to apologise, admitting he had been "harsh" and should have given her more time. Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee defended Harris, citing the long day of campaigning.{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Jennifer |date=23 November 2024 |title=Disability worker says she was 'shaken' and in tears after exchange with Simon Harris |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/ |work=The Irish Times |location= |access-date=23 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=Maguire |first=Mairead |date=23 November 2024 |title=Carer at the centre of viral video of her confronting Taoiseach says she felt 'shaken' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/simon-harris-general-election-carers-criticism-6551100-Nov2024/ |work=TheJournal.ie |location= |access-date=23 November 2024}}

Harris was re-elected to the Dáil on the first count.{{Cite news |title=General Election Results |agency=RTÉ News |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/results/#/wicklow |language=en}} He resigned as Taoiseach on the morning of 18 December, which was the day of the first meeting of the 34th Dáil. Harris and the other members of the government continued to carry out their duties until their successors were appointed on 23 January 2025.{{Cite news |title=Taoiseach Simon Harris formally tenders resignation as new Dáil to meet |agency=RTÉ News |date=18 December 2024 |first=Mícheál |last=Lehane |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/1218/1487079-ireland-politics/}}

On 23 January 2025, Harris was appointed as Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence in the government led by Micheál Martin, following the 2024 general election.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2025/0123/1492578-new-cabinet-in-full/|title=Cabinet list in full with number of promotions, changes|publisher=RTÉ News|first=Fiachra|last=Ó Cionnaith|date=23 January 2025|accessdate=24 January 2025}}

In 2017, Harris married Caoimhe Wade, a cardiac nurse, at St Patrick's Church in Kilquade.{{Cite news|date=22 July 2017|title=Minister for Health Simon Harris marries cardiac nurse|work=RTÉ News|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0721/892048-simon-harris/|access-date=5 July 2020|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025802/https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0721/892048-simon-harris/|url-status=live}} They have a daughter and a son.{{cite news |last1=Hogan |first1=Jen |title=Simon Harris: 'My perspective has changed since I had children' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/simon-harris-my-perspective-has-changed-since-i-had-children-1.4787048 |access-date=13 April 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=1 February 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409155232/https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/parenting/simon-harris-my-perspective-has-changed-since-i-had-children-1.4787048 |url-status=live }} Harris lives with Crohn's disease,{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/crohns-sufferer-simon-harris-hails-camera-that-can-be-swallowed-35063049.html|title=Crohn's sufferer Simon Harris hails camera that can be swallowed|date=20 September 2016|newspaper=Irish Independent|access-date=3 January 2017|first=Eilish|last=O'Regan|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921201935/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/crohns-sufferer-simon-harris-hails-camera-that-can-be-swallowed-35063049.html|url-status=live}} but has said it has little impact on his day-to-day life.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe-travel/ireland/who-is-simon-harris-inside-the-world-of-boy-wonder-turned-taoiseach-elect-nxn3t5twk|title=Who is Simon Harris? Inside the world of boy wonder turned Taoiseach-elect|first=Gary|last=Murphy|date=24 March 2024|newspaper=The Times|access-date=24 March 2024|archive-date=10 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410034025/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/who-is-simon-harris-inside-the-world-of-boy-wonder-turned-taoiseach-elect-nxn3t5twk|url-status=live}}

Harris is the eldest of three siblings.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2024 |title=Simon Harris in Profile |url=https://www.independent.ie/videos/irish-news/simon-harris-in-profile/a371604961.html |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=Irish Independent |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405234446/https://www.independent.ie/videos/irish-news/simon-harris-in-profile/a371604961.html |url-status=live }} His brother is autistic and runs the autism services charity AsIAm, which Simon Harris co-founded.{{Cite news |title=Simon Harris, who can 'dance to any tune you play', has long been planning for such an eventuality |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/22/energetic-and-ambitious-but-with-questions-around-his-ability-to-deliver/ |access-date=5 April 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404011229/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/22/energetic-and-ambitious-but-with-questions-around-his-ability-to-deliver/ |url-status=live }}

Harris is noted for his social media presence, especially on TikTok, having been nicknamed the "TikTok Taoiseach".{{Cite web |date=26 March 2024 |title=Meet Simon Harris, Ireland's first TikTok prime minister |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/who-is-simon-harris-irelands-first-millennial-leader-has-come-a-long-way-quickly/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328155412/https://www.politico.eu/article/who-is-simon-harris-irelands-first-millennial-leader-has-come-a-long-way-quickly/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Labour conference told 'TikTok taoiseach' Simon Harris lacks vision |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/23/labour-conference-told-tiktok-taoiseach-simon-harris-lacks-vision/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328155412/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/23/labour-conference-told-tiktok-taoiseach-simon-harris-lacks-vision/ |url-status=live }} He used Instagram for live streams while Minister of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was cited by the Irish Examiner as a rare occasion in which a government minister took questions from the general public.{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=David |date=22 March 2024 |title=The 'TikTok Taoiseach': How social media helped Simon Harris shine |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41358967.html |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405234443/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41358967.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Jane |date=1 April 2024 |title=Students gave us their take on Harris's time at Higher Ed (and what they make of his promotion) |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/students-simon-harris-tiktok-taoiseach-6338698-Apr2024/ |access-date=5 April 2024 |website=TheJournal.ie |language=en |archive-date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405234448/https://www.thejournal.ie/students-simon-harris-tiktok-taoiseach-6338698-Apr2024/ |url-status=live }}

• List of youngest serving state leaders

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Category:1986 births

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