Youngest in history: Next Irish Prime Minister identified

Simon Harris (Photo: flickr.com/hsepics)

In Ireland, the next prime minister was identified after no other candidate had participated in the leadership contest, according to BBC.

Simon Harris, currently the Minister for Higher Education in Ireland, is expected to become the new leader of the Irish party Fine Gael.

He will replace the current Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who announced his resignation on Wednesday.

According to the agency, the leader's name will be announced after the party's congress concludes on Sunday in Athlone. According to the rules, if only one person is nominated, the returning officer will confirm that person as the party leader.

Attitude towards Harris within the country

Harris has been a favorite from the start, and many supported the 37-year-old minister even before the nomination process began.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys were among those who supported Mr. Harris.

Speaking on Friday, Harris said he was "overwhelmed and moved" by the support he had received in recent days.

Recall that on Wednesday, March 20, Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar announced that he would step down from his post.