'I'm ready to step up': Simon Harris declares bid to become Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach 

Heather Humphreys and Helen McEntee are among a wave of Fine Gael members to have come out in support of Mr Harris

After his colleagues decided not to run, the way is now clear for Simon Harris to become Taoiseach. Picture: Darragh Kane

Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has confirmed he will contest the Fine Gael leadership, saying he is up for the job.

"I’m in, I want to be the next leader of Fine Gael," said Mr Harris, who received a wave of support from Fine Gael members on Thursday.