ieExplains: Path clear for Simon Harris to become Taoiseach. Here's what happens next
Leo Chaney/ Gareth Varadkar Simon His Potential And Collins Successor, Taoiseach Picture: File Harris
After a tumultuous 24 hours in Irish politics, the result is now clear: Simon Harris will be Ireland’s next Taoiseach.
With no other candidates in the running to replace Leo Varadkar, who dramatically stepped down on Wednesday, Mr Harris has a clear path to walk to the Taoiseach’s office.
But while this path is clear, there are still processes to go through before he claims his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins.
It all depends on whether or not a firebrand TD decides to enter the race and challenge Mr Harris.
If no other names are put forward to contest the leadership election, Mr Harris will be deemed elected as leader of Fine Gael at 1pm on Monday — when nominations close.
However, if a second candidate can secure six nominations from other members of the parliamentary party, the process will be more drawn out.
The parliamentary party is comprised of TDs, senators and MEPs.
Then, the more than 20,000 members of Fine Gael will be asked to vote for their preferred candidate at one of 20 polling stations across the country.
A victor would then be announced on Friday April 5, before the party kicks off its ard fheis on April 6.
However, this looks increasingly unlikely, with Mr Harris having sewn up support from more than half of the parliamentary party.
Regardless, three individual events will be held in Dublin, Munster and the Midlands, to allow the new leader to meet with members of Fine Gael.
At the end of Thursday's business, the Dáil is due to go into recess for the next two weeks, so Mr Harris looks likely to be appointed as Taoiseach on Tuesday April 9.
The outgoing Taoiseach, Mr Varadkar, will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin in advance of the sitting and tender his own resignation to President Michael D Higgins.
The Dáil will then sit later that day and Mr Harris will be proposed as Taoiseach. A roll call vote will be held and Mr Harris will be confirmed as Taoiseach. If the vote is rejected, it will lead to a general election.
Assuming he is confirmed, he will then travel to Phoenix Park to meet with President Higgins. There, he will be presented with the seals of office and will return to Government Buildings to build his Cabinet.
With one space free on the Fine Gael side of the Cabinet, at least one new senior minister will be appointed by Mr Harris, with speculation ongoing as to whether this could be one of two junior ministers — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill or Peter Burke.