Simon Harris becomes youngest-ever Irish prime minister, pledges 'reset'

• Simon Harris has been confirmed as Ireland's new prime minister, following Leo Varadkar's shock resignation last month.
• Harris will face challenges including the longstanding housing crisis, health-care, political competition and an economy reliant on multinationals.
• Harris said that he was "deeply honoured" to become taoiseach and pledged to "work every day to realise the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all our people."

The Irish parliament on Tuesday confirmed Simon Harris as the country's new prime minister, making him the youngest-ever holder of the position.

Harris succeeds Leo Varadkar as taoiseach — Irish for leader — following a 88-69 vote by lawmakers. He was presented with his seal of office by President Michael D. Higgins on Tuesday afternoon.

Harris said via social media platform X that he was "deeply honoured" to become taoiseach and pledged to "work every day to realise the hopes, dreams and aspirations of all our people."

Varadkar announced his sudden resignation late last month, surprising the public and politicos alike.

Harris, formerly an education minister, ran unopposed to succeed Varadkar as leader of the center-right Fine Gael party. At 37, Harris will be the youngest-ever taoiseach, taking that record from Varadkar who was 38 when he assumed the post in 2017.

In his first speech after the vote, Harris said he was entering office in a "spirit of humility" and wanted to bring a "new empathy" to public life.

He described housing as the greatest societal issue and committed to "moving mountains" to build new homes. Harris promised to "act decisively" on the climate crisis and to prioritize rural and regional development.

He also spoke of a "humanitarian catastrophe" in the Gaza enclave and condemned