Simon Harris Appointed Ireland's New Finance Minister in Cabinet Reshuffle

Simon Harris Takes Helm at Finance Ministry

Simon Harris has officially assumed the role of Ireland's Minister for Finance, with his appointment taking effect on November 18, 2025. This significant cabinet change follows the resignation of his predecessor, Paschal Donohoe, who departed to take up a senior international position. Harris, who also serves as Tánaiste, will now oversee all financial and monetary matters for the Irish state, a portfolio considered the second most important in the government after that of the Taoiseach.

Paschal Donohoe's Departure for World Bank Role

Paschal Donohoe announced his resignation from the Finance Ministry to become the Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, based in Washington D.C. His new role is set to commence on November 24, 2025. Donohoe, who had served as Minister for Finance since January 2025 and previously from 2017 to 2022, also confirmed his intention to step down as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Dublin Central later in the week, which will necessitate a by-election in his constituency. Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated Donohoe, acknowledging his significant impact in various ministerial roles and as President of the Eurogroup, highlighting the high regard in which Ireland is held internationally.

Broader Government Reshuffle Initiated

Donohoe's departure prompted a cabinet reshuffle within the Fine Gael party. As part of these changes:

• Simon Harris transitioned from his previous roles as Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence to become Tánaiste and Minister for Finance.
• Helen McEntee, formerly holding the Education brief, was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, making her the first woman to hold these positions.
• Hildegarde Naughton was promoted to a senior ministerial position, joining the Cabinet as the new Minister for Education.
• Emer Higgins was elevated to Minister of State for Disability.
• Frank Feighan was appointed Junior Minister for Public Procurement, Digitalisation, and eGovernment.

Harris's Extensive Political Background

Born on October 17, 1986, Simon Harris has been a prominent figure in Irish politics, serving as a TD for Wicklow since 2011. He previously held the office of Taoiseach from April 2024 to January 2025, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at 37 years old. His extensive ministerial experience includes serving as Minister for Health (2016-2020), Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (2020-2024), and Minister of State at the Department of Finance (2014-2016). As the new Finance Minister, Harris has expressed his commitment to responsibly managing public finances, continuing investment in infrastructure, and delivering increased housing supply, stating that 'economic prosperity and social cohesion go hand in hand'.