Simon Harris has been confirmed as the new leader of the Irish political party Fine Gael, paving the way for the 37-year-old to become Ireland's youngest taoiseach (prime minister).

Axar.az reports that Mr Harris, an Irish government minister, was the only candidate to seek the party leadership.

He is replacing Leo Varadkar, who announced on Wednesday he was stepping down as party leader and taoiseach.

Mr Harris is outlining his key priorities in a speech.

He said becoming leader of the party "is the honor of my life to lead this great party, our great party, Fine Gael".

He thanked the party and those that elected him for trusting him, adding that he would "repay that trust in hard work".

"With blood, sweat, and tears - day in and day out - with responsibility, with humility, and with civility," he added.