Harris elected new Taoiseach

Mr Harris has promised to work harder to help people achieve their dreams in Ireland.

For the third time in four years, the office of Taoiseach has a new man behind the desk.

Greystones TD Simon Harris has become the 16th Taoiseach and has received his seal by President Michael D Higgins.

The Dail vote to ratify the Greystones TD was 88 in favour, with 69 against.

At 37 years of age, he is the youngest Taoiseach in the history of the state - And takes the mantle from the man who previously held that title.

Leo Varadkar told the Dáil he knows Simon Harris "will rise to the occasion." and bows out  saying it has been the most fulfilling and rewarding time of his life.

"I will work with you and for you, and for the country that I know we all love. I will be a Taoiseach who will listen." Mr Harris said in the Dáil.

"The Irish story is a story of hope, a spirit of optimism sustained us in the darkest of days.

"And today, once again, we must ensure it lights our way forward.

"Let us not make the mistake of giving into pessimism and despair about our future."

However before the vote at Leinster House took place, opposition party members voiced their displeasure at the proceedings, calling it ‘coronation’ and a ‘jamboree’

Sinn Fein leader Mary-Lou McDonald, who along with others since Leo Varadkar's resignation, had called for a General Election to let the people decide who should lead the country. Today she used her speaking time to make a scathing criticism of those in Government.

 "Ireland is indeed a great country", with prospects that can be "so very bright".

But the Government is spinning "a fairy tale so outrageous that Hans Christian Andersen himself would be proud of it".

"You have comprehensively failed, and no amount of bragging or bluster will disguise that fact," she said, and accused them of dressing up failure as progress while they "cling to power at all costs".

"Here we go again as you pass the parcel with the keys to the Taoiseach's office one more time."