Simon Harris expected to be confirmed as new Fine Gael leader
The appointment would pave the way for Mr Harris to become Ireland’s youngest taoiseach.
Simon Harris is set to become the new leader of Fine Gael when nominations close later on Sunday.
It paves the way for Mr Harris, the further and higher education minister, to become Ireland’s youngest premier following the shock resignation of Leo Varadkar.
A shortened leadership contest will see him announced as leader in Athlone, Co Westmeath on Sunday afternoon if, as expected, no other candidates enter the contest before nominations close at 1pm.
He would become the country’s youngest premier at the age of 37.
Mr Harris said that if elected the next leader, he would remain fully committed to the programme for government agreed with coalition partners Fianna Fail and the Green Party.
He has stopped short of ruling out a general election this year but insisted such a poll was not his priority.
Aside from Mr Harris, all other senior Fine Gael cabinet ministers have ruled themselves out of contention.
Mr Harris has said he is “overwhelmed and honoured” by the level of support he has secured for his Fine Gael leadership bid.
