Simon Harris has been confirmed as the new leader of Fine Gael after no other candidates came forward to challenge him.
The leadership became vacant after the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced his resignation “for personal and political reasons” last week.
Mr Harris said he would repay the trust put in him with hard work during a speech on Sunday at a selection convention in Athlone, County Westmeath.
He said: “With blood, sweat and tears – day in and day out. With responsibility, with humility and with civility.
He will not become taoiseach until 9 April when the Irish parliament, the Dáil, reconvenes.
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