What is the role of the President of Ireland?

The President is the Irish Head of State.
The President is the guardian of the People's Rights.


How is the President elected?

The President of Ireland is elected by the people of Ireland to serve a 7 year term.
The President can serve a maximum of two terms - 14 years.


After the election, when does he/she become President?

The President takes the oath of office at the inaugration ceremony in Dublin Castle.


What are the powers of the President?

The President's powers are set out in the Constitution. They include:

- Appointment of the Taoiseach and Members of the Government (after an election)
- Dissolving (ending) the Dáil
- Appointment of Judges
- Appointment of Officers of the Defence Forces (army, navy, air corps)
- Signing of Bills (which then become law)
- Referring these Bills to the Supreme Court to make sure they are in
  agreement with the Constitution


The Duties of the President:

- Greeting Heads of State who visit Ireland
- Representing Ireland abroad
- Receiving the credentials of foreign Ambassadors
- Visiting communities around Ireland
- Supporting cultural and artistic events
- Becoming patron of organisations


Did you know?

The President must get the permission of the government to leave the State…

Douglas Hyde became the first President of Ireland in 1938 and was followed by Sean T O Ceallaigh in 1945 who served for 14 years...

The third President of Ireland, Éamon de Valera was born in New York, he also served for 14 years from 1959-1973...

Patrick J Hillery was also President of Ireland for 14 years from 1976-1990...

The fourth President of Ireland, Erskine Childers (1973-4), died in office after 1 year and 5 months…

The fifth President of Ireland, Cearbhall O'Dalaigh (1974-6), resigned after less than 2 years in office…


The first female President of Ireland was Mary Robinson who served for almost 7 years before becoming UN High Commissioner for Human Rights…

Both Mary Robinson and the current President, Mary McAleese, are barristers and both have been Reid Professor of Criminal Law at Trinity College Dublin…