Simon Harris confirmed as new Minister for Finance amid Cabinet reshuffle
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has been nominated to become the country’s next Finance Minister following the resignation of Paschal Donohoe.
Mr Donohoe’s resignation to take up a senior post at the World Bank has resulted in a reshuffle in posts held by Fine Gael ministers.
Under the nomination, Mr Harris’s old portfolios as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence will be transferred to Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee.
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has been nominated to become the country’s next Finance Minister following the resignation of Paschal Donohoe. Pic: Fran Veale
Hildegarde Naughton, who had been Minister of State for Disability, will replace Ms McEntee as Minister for Education.
Emer Higgins, who had been Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, will take on Ms Naughton’s vacated role and have her own position filled by Frank Feighan who will be elevated to the junior ministerial position.
The changes were put forward to the Dail by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
Under the nomination, Mr Harris’s old portfolios as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence will be transferred to Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Harris said the resignation of Paschal Donohoe as Ireland’s Finance Minister was a ‘moment of sadness’ for his party.
Mr Donohoe is to take up the role of managing director and chief knowledge officer of the World Bank Group, based in Washington DC.
Mr Harris said: ‘This is a position of significant international standing and is a testament to Paschal’s integrity, expertise and the high esteem in which he is held both at home and abroad.
Harris said the resignation of Paschal Donohoe as Ireland’s Finance Minister was a ‘moment of sadness’ for his party. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
‘While I always knew this day would come, it is a day of mixed emotion.
‘It is a moment of sadness for the Fine Gael family, but it is also a moment of great pride for Ireland.
‘Paschal’s appointment reflects the regard in which he is viewed on the global stage.
‘Over more than two decades in public life, Paschal Donohoe has served with unwavering dedication — as a senator, a teachta dala, and as a minister in a number of key portfolios.’
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