Ireland - President
This election gives all citizens, regardless of wealth, a fair shot to be heard and participate in every step of the democratic process
Irish presidential election 2018
Michael D Higgins has served as the ninth president of Ireland since 2011, and confirmed in July that he wishes to serve a second seven year term when his time is up this autumn.
An extremely popular president, he is being supported in his re-election campaign by Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Labour Party, but a decision by Sinn Fein to field a candidate against him has confirmed that a contest must take place. They will announce a nominee within the next few weeks.
Any potential independent candidates now face a race against time to gain the backing of either 20 members of the Irish parliament - or four county councils - if they wish to get on the ballot paper. - Posted on : 27-July-2018
Functions of the President
The President is the Head of State, although they play a mainly ceremonial role in the running of the State. The current President of Ireland is Michael D. Higgins, who commenced his first term on 11 November 2011.
The Government must approve all Presidential communications, messages or addresses, both to the Oireachtas and to the public.
Many of the powers of the President can only be exercised on the advice of the Government. This means that if the President wishes to exercise a power, they must first obtain the advice and agreement of the Government.
The President also possesses some powers that they cannot exercise without first consulting with the Council of State.
The President's powers include
Appointing members of the Government, judges and other officials
Summoning and dissolving the Dail
Convening the Oireachtas
Representing the people
Signing Bills and referring Bills to the Supreme Court
Acting as Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces - Posted on : 02-July-2018
President of Ireland
President McAleese, who was the first President to have been born in Northern Ireland, continued on from President Robinson in this regard. In a sign of the warmth of modern British-Irish relations, she has even been warmly welcomed by most leading unionists. - Posted on : 12-May-2018
Frequently Asked Questions
