Simon Harris shares photo of newborn daughter and praises hospital staff

Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has shared social media photos of his new baby daughter, named Aoileen, and paid tribute to staff in the neonatal intensive care unit at Holles Street Maternity Hospital. The Irish Examiner, Irish Independent, and RSVP Live all report that the Fine Gael leader confirmed his paternity leave is continuing following the birth. Irishexaminer.com notes the spelling of the baby's name as both Aoileen and Aoileann in social media updates. [1][2][3]

According to the Irish Examiner, the baby was born on October 3, just four days before Mr Harris presented Budget 2027. The Wicklow TD and his wife, Caoimhe, are also parents to two older children, seven year old Saoirse and five year old Cillian. Mr Harris stated on social media that mothers do a lot and fathers need to be able to step up too, adding that his paternity leave is important and needed. [1]

Simon 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 TD for the Wicklow constituency since 2011. Born on October 17, 1986, in Greystones, County Wicklow, he previously held cabinet positions in health and higher education. [4][6]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Mr Harris recently presented Budget 2027, featuring an 8.5 billion euro spending package with tax cuts and social welfare adjustments. He also previously unveiled a new personal investment account scheme allowing Irish residents to save tax-free starting in July 2027. [7][8]