Simon Harris and wife Caoimhe Wade welcome baby girl before budget

The Journal, the Irish Examiner, and the Irish Independent reported that Tánaiste Simon Harris and his wife, Caoimhe Wade, have welcomed a baby girl. The birth occurred only days before the planned government budget announcement on Tuesday. The Journal and the Irish Independent both reported that Mr Harris plans to take paternity leave following the budget. [1][2][4]

According to The Journal, the couple already has two children, a seven-year-old daughter named Saoirse and a five-year-old son named Cillian. The publication noted that the news followed the cancellation of a regular Friday pre-budget press conference with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Government release gov.ie had previously noted joint financial updates from Mr Harris and Mr Chambers. [1][3]

Harris has served as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance since 2025, having previously served as Taoiseach from 2024 to 2025. He also served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence in 2025. He has been leader of Fine Gael since 2024 and a Teachta Dála for Wicklow since 2011. [5]

Born on 17 October 1986 in Greystones, County Wicklow, Mr Harris is the eldest of three children. He entered politics early and held cabinet positions starting in 2016, including roles in health and higher education. He became leader of Fine Gael following the resignation of Leo Varadkar. [6]