Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has been named as the new leader of Fine Gael - and will become the new Taoiseach next month.

He was the only candidate to be nominated in the race to take over from Leo Varadkar.

Addressing Fine Gael delegates in Athlone, he vowed to be a leader for the common good of the country.

He outlined Fine Gael's stance on many issues, such as condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Meanwhile, MEP Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry will contest the European Elections for the party in the Midlands North West Constituency.

This comes following yesterday’s announcement from sitting MEP Colm Markey that he will not run in the June election.