Simon Harris’ son adorably crashed the moment he was appointed Taoiseach by President Michael D. Higgins on Tuesday.
The Fine Gael TD was elected Ireland’s fifteenth Taoiseach this afternoon, after the surprise resignation of Leo Varadkar three weeks ago.
This will make the father-of-two the youngest Taoiseach in the state’s history at the age of 37.
The Wicklow native was elected Taoiseach by 88 votes to 69 in the Dáil on Tuesday.
Following the election, Harris visited Áras an Uachtaráin where he received the Seal of Office from President Higgins.
In a video shared by Virgin Media’s Richard Chambers, Simon’s young son Cillian photobombed the moment he became Taoiseach.
Following his appointment today, Harris promised to be a “Taoiseach for all”.
You can read his speech in full here.
Earlier today, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar wished Harris well as his successor.
“I always knew he would be Taoiseach one day. This has perhaps come a little bit sooner than he might have planned or expected. But I know he will rise to the occasion,” he said.
“He has empathy, energy, experience, campaigning skills and political antenna to take us forward and I look forward to voting for him and the new Cabinet in the house later today.”
Varadkar officially resigned from his post on Monday evening by handing in his letter of resignation to President Michael D Higgins.
The former leader of Fine Gael announced his resignation in a shock press conference in March, and said his reason for stepping down was “both personal and political.”
He said that one part of leadership was “knowing when to hand over the baton to somebody else, and having the courage to do it.”
He continued: “I know this will come as a surprise to many people, and a disappointment for some, but I hope you will understand my decision.”
“There is never a right time to resign from high office, however, this is as good a time as any.”
He added: “Budget 2024 is done, negotiations have not yet begun on the next one.”
“The new Taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for the local and European elections, and up to a year for the next general election.”
