Irish Examiner view: Smooth succession of Harris good for Fine Gael but is it good for the country? 

Concerns are bound to be expressed when a TD becomes taoiseach without the imprimatur of a general election victory, though John Bruton set a precedent when he took office 30 years ago

A little over 24 hours after Leo Varadkar's resignation speech, Simon Harris had enough support to take over as leader. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos 

The vacancy at the top of Fine Gael hardly lasted long enough to qualify as a power vacuum.

A little over 24 hours after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s emotional resignation speech, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris had corralled more than enough support to take over the party. With possible rivals such as Paschal Donohoe and Simon Coveney declining to challenge him, Mr Harris’ victory soon became a foregone conclusion.