Simon Harris, TD

He has previously served as Taoiseach and will resume that role on 16th November 2027.

As Taoiseach, Simon led the country’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza recognising the State of Palestine within a month of taking office.

He also delivered a State apology to the Stardust families who waited 42 years for justice. Simon also established the Dublin City Centre Taskforce to rejuvenate our capital city and established an Online Safety Summit and a Competitiveness Summit to focus on these priority areas for Government.

Before being elected Taoiseach, Simon served as Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister for Justice, Minister for Health and as Minister of State at the Departments of Finance PER and Taoiseach with Special Responsibility for the OPW, Public Procurement, and International Banking (incl IFSC).

His achievements include:

• The establishment of four Technological Universities across the country.
• Reform of our apprenticeship system with record numbers applying to become an apprentice.
• Transforming third level education with the introduction of degree courses outside the Central Application Office system and developing tailor made degree courses for those with an intellectual disability.
• New laws to protect frontline works by increasing the maximum sentence attached to assault of a garda, nurse or ambulance worker.
• Introducing legislation to implement the Referendum to Repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
• A new deal for general practice practitioners across the country.
• Delivering life-saving drugs for children with cystic fibrosis
• Leading the State response to Covid-19
• Established the All Party Sláintecare Committee and the led the implementation of its report
• Expanded access to medical cards and GP visit cards for children with disabilities and carers
• Established the Women’s Health Task Force and introduced the policy of State funded IVF

The Tánaiste is currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence where his focus is on protecting the Irish economy from the impact of the tariffs imposed by the United States and diversifying Ireland’s economy. Preparing for Ireland’s Presidency is a key priority.

As Minister for Defence, he has overseen a significant increase in capital investment for the Defence Forces. Achieving Level of Ambition 2 and legislation to reform the Triple Lock are priority areas.

As Fine Gael leader, the Tánaiste has overseen renewal in Fine Gael and has established a Commission on Renewal aimed at reforming the party’s structures and making it a fit-for-purpose modern day party.