Ireland has confirmed Simon Harris as the next Prime Minister

After the resignation of Leo Varadkar last month, the Irish Parliament elected Simon Harris, the leader of the Fine Gael party and the minister for higher and further education, as the next prime minister of the country.

The 37-year-old minister of the Irish government was supported by 88 votes, while 69 members opposed his appointment.

In his speech after the vote, Harris said, according to the Irish Independent, “I accept this new role, ready for the challenge and full of determination… This is a time of great challenge, a time when leadership matters.”