The Government and Political System in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. The Irish government is headed by a Prime Minister (Taoiseach) leading a cabinet of ministers. The prime minister is appointed by the President after being designated by the lower house of parliament. The President appoints the rest of the ministers as well. Executive authority is entirely vested in the cabinet and the President does not even have nominal executive powers.

Ireland is divided into 26 counties for administrative purposes.

Mary McAleese has been the Irish President since 1997. She returned to office unopposed in 2004. Bertie Ahern has been Prime Minister since 1997. This is his third term in office.