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In a nutshell, Ireland is an independent, post-colonial, capitalist state based on a parliamentary democracy. Responsible for the executive power of the state, the Irish government consists of a cabinet of no less than seven and not more than 15 members and is led by the taoiseach (prime minister). The taoiseach is nominated by the Dáil (the more significant house of parliament, which also passes laws) and is formally appointed by the President.

On 14 June, 2007, Bertie Ahern of Fianna Fáil was re-elected to serve his third term as taoiseach and assumed a coalition government with the Progressive Democrats and The Green Party. At Ahern’s side is the tánaiste (Vice-President) and Finance Minister, Brian Cowen, also of Fianna Fáil, who acts on his behalf in absence or in illness.

The taoiseach nominates the members of government, all of which must be in the Oireachtas (National Parliament), which consists of the Irish President (An tUachtaran), the Dáil Eireann (the Irish House of Representatives) and the less significant Seanad Eireann (Irish Senate). It derives its power from the Constitution of Ireland as well as Irish and EU law. Elected by direct vote by the people for a term of seven years, the role of the President is largely ceremonial, although Mary Robinson did illustrate that some influence can be exercised even from this apolitical office. Robinson resigned on September 12, 1997 in order to become the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was succeeded by the second female President (and eighth President) of Ireland, Mary McAleese, a Belfast-born barrister and former Professor of Law who was re-elected unopposed in 2004.

Enacted in 1937 (and penned by Fianna Fáil and Eamon de Valera), Bunreacht na hÉireann (the Irish Constitution) comprises a total of 50 Articles (both in Irish and English) which set out the ‘basic law of Ireland’, and describe how the country should be governed. Although based on the British model, it differs from it in the fact that it is written down and that it contains provision for a US-style judicial review. In short, it describes the nature of the Irish state, its main institutions as well as outlining the fundamental rights of the citizens.

In contrast to other countries, Irish politics are fairly homogeneous, with the result that personality and local issues are more significant than party ideologies. Founded by Eamon de Valera, Fianna Fáil has dominated Irish politics for the best part of 75 years. Other parties include the Progressive Democrats, the Green Party, the Labour Party, Fine Gael, the Socialist Party and Sinn Féin. The electoral ...