Harris appointed finance minister as Paschal Donohoe exits Cabinet for World Bank role

Simon Harris will take over the finance portfolio as Paschal Donohoe departs for the World Bank, triggering major Cabinet changes

Tánaiste Simon Harris will take over the finance portfolio following Paschal Donohoe’s resignation, in a significant Cabinet reshuffle confirmed today.

Speaking at Government Buildings, the outgoing finance minister said the opportunity to serve in Government had been the “greatest of honours.” 

He said his aim had been to “build a better and fairer Ireland” and that through Brexit, Covid and ten Budgets, the public finances had improved due to “the Irish people.” 

He said he will soon take up the role of managing director and chief knowledge officer at the World Bank, and has tendered his resignation from Government today. He will resign from the Dáil later this week.

Mr Donohoe, first elected to the Dáil in 2011, said he would continue his public service “in a different way” in his new role at the World Bank.

The Dublin Central TD thanked his constituency for his election and three re-elections, the members of Fine Gael and Tánaiste Simon Harris.

His departure will trigger broad changes across senior portfolios, with several Fine Gael figures moving into new roles as part of the reshuffle.

Helen McEntee will move to Foreign Affairs and Defence, while Hildegarde Naughton is being promoted to Cabinet as Minister for Education. 

Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins will become a super junior minister with responsibility for disabilities, and backbencher Frank Feighan will be appointed a junior minister in the Department of Public Expenditure.

Mr Harris adding finance to his roles as Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader has already raised concerns among some party members, with several questioning how he will manage the expanded workload.

One Government source said experience needs to be considered when redrawing roles, noting this is why Mr Harris was appointed to finance, as he is now the longest-serving Fine Gael minister in Cabinet.

Tributes paid

Mr Harris paid tribute to Mr Donohoe described the appointment as “a position of significant international standing” and said it reflected Mr Donohoe’s “integrity, expertise, and the high esteem in which he is held both at home and abroad.” 

He said the announcement marked “a day of mixed emotion” for Fine Gael, noting it was “a moment of sadness for the Fine Gael family, but it is also a moment of great pride for Ireland”.

Highlighting Mr Donohoe’s record in public life over more than two decades, the Tánaiste said he had served with “unwavering dedication” as a senator, TD and as minister across a number of key portfolios, including european affairs, transport, and public expenditure and reform.

“For me, he has been someone who has been a source of wise counsel, and a valued friend,” Mr Harris said, adding that he would miss Mr Donohoe’s “good humour”, “optimism” and “unrelenting support”.

“On behalf of Fine Gael, and the Government, I want to thank Paschal Donohoe for his exemplary service. This country is all the better for his service,” the Tánaiste said.