Simon Harris and wife Caoimhe Wade welcome baby girl before budget

The Irish Independent, The Journal, and the Irish Examiner reported that Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris and his wife Caoimhe Wade have welcomed a new baby girl. The birth occurred just days before the scheduled presentation of the government budget. The Irish Independent and The Journal both confirmed that the arrival comes as government officials prepare for the upcoming financial statement. [1][2][3]

The Irish Independent and The Journal both reported that Mr Harris plans to take paternity leave following the budget announcement on Tuesday. According to The Journal, the arrival of the newborn followed the cancellation of a pre-budget press conference with Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. [1][2]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Mr Harris and his wife already have two children, a seven-year-old daughter named Saoirse and a five-year-old son named Cillian. Mr Harris has served as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance since 2025, having previously served as Taoiseach from 2024 to 2025. He has been the leader of Fine Gael since 2024 and a Teachta Dála for the Wicklow constituency since 2011. [2][4][8]

Mr Harris was born on October 17, 1986, in Greystones, County Wicklow, and entered politics early in his career. He served in earlier cabinet positions in health and higher education starting in 2016, as well as serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence in 2025. He will begin his planned period of leave after the budget proceedings conclude. [1][2][4][6]