Incoming Irish premier says housing, migration main priorities

Simon Harris speaks after being confirmed as the new leader of Fine Gael, paving the way for him to become Ireland's youngest premier, in Athlone, Ireland, Sunday March 24, 2024. Ireland is poised to get its youngest-ever premier after Simon Harris secured the leadership of the Fine Gael party on Sunday, He replaces Leo Varadkar who announced his surprise resignation last week. (Eamon Ward/PA via AP)

DUBLIN: Ireland’s incoming prime minister Simon Harris gave his first speech as leader of the Fine Gael party, outlining priorities for the government ahead of his nomination as prime minister this week.

Harris, who was voted in as leader of his party two weeks ago after prime minister Leo Varadkar resigned suddenly, pledged in a televised address on Saturday that the government will focus on issues ranging from ensuring continued economic growth to tackling the country’s housing crisis, migration, climate change and the conflict in the Middle East.