President - Introduction to the President of Ireland

Information

The 'President' is the title given to the Irish Head of State. As Head of State in Ireland, the President has a number of important functions. The office of the President of Ireland is established by the Constitution of Ireland. The current President of Ireland is Mary McAleese, who commenced her second term as President on 11th November, 2004. Since the foundation of the Irish State, there have been a total of 8 Irish Presidents.

The President is elected directly by the people of Ireland and may be removed from office by either House of the Oireachtas (the Dail and the Seanad).

The term of office is 7 years and the President may not serve more than 2 terms.

The President is assisted in performing his or her duties by the Presidential Commission and the Council of State.

The President resides at the official residence, called 'Áras an Uachtaráin', which is located in the Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed park in Europe. The Phoenix Park is close to the capital of Ireland, Dublin. The Áras an Uachtaráin website has more information and includes a virtual tour of the residence.