Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Simon Harris TD on becoming the youngest-ever prime minister of Ireland on Tuesday. PM Modi stated that he is looking forward to working together with the Ireland PM to strengthen ties between both countries.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated: "Congratulations on becoming youngest ever Prime Minister of Ireland. We highly value our historical ties that are based on a shared belief in democratic values. Looking forward to working together to strengthen India- Ireland bilateral partnership further."
The congratulatory message was extended after Simon Harris was chosen by Ireland's parliament to take over from Leo Varadkar, becoming the youngest-ever PM in the country.
The 37-year-old former health and higher education minister is renowned for helping steer the initial response to COVID-19. Simon Harris was elected unopposed as the leader of the Fine Gael in March, leading the predecessor Varadkar to a shocking exit, Reuters reported.
An emotional Harris, following a parliamentary vote, stated: "As Taoiseach (prime minister), I want to bring new ideas, a new energy, and a new empathy to public life," the report quoted him as saying.
"Now is an opportune time to build a new social contract – one which renews our promise as a Republic. To create equality of opportunity. To support those who need the state the most. To protect our hard-earned economic success. To use its benefits to deliver tangible outcomes to society," Harris stated as per the report.
Harris, at the age of 16, joined Fin Gael's youth branch and advanced through the ranks swiftly. Thereafter, at the age of 24, he was elected to the parliament in 2011, and had also served as a county councillor at 22.
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