Fine Gael Leadership Race

Analysis: Four early hurdles face Simon Harris as Fine Gael leader

From securing a Dáil majority for his election as Taoiseach, to the question of a a general election, Harris’ political mettle will be tested early on

Simon Harris will need to the support of a Dáil vote on April 9 to become taoiseach. Picture: Bryan Meade

With Simon Harris now set to become the new leader of Fine Gael, there are couple of interesting procedural and political questions left lingering.

The minister for higher education - who has long been eyeing the Fine Gael leadership - is the lone TD to throw his hat into the ring for the top spot. Any potential competitors have until Monday to put in their bids, but with all of the party’s senior politicians ruling ...