President of Ireland | |
---|---|
Uachtarán na hÉireann (Irish) | |
since 11 November 2011 | |
Style | President (A Uachtaráin) or Your Excellency (A Shoilse) |
Status | |
Residence | Áras an Uachtaráin |
Seat | Dublin, Ireland |
Nominator | Members of the Oireachtas or local councils |
Appointer | Direct popular vote by Instant-runoff voting |
Term length | Seven years (renewable once) |
Constituting instrument | Articles 12−14, Constitution of Ireland |
Precursor | Governor-General of the Irish Free State |
Inaugural holder | Douglas Hyde |
Formation | 25 June 1938 |
Salary | €249,014 annually[1] |
Website | president |
The president of Ireland (Irish: Uachtarán na hÉireann) is the head of state of Ireland and the supreme commander of the Irish Defence Forces.
The president holds office for seven years, and can be elected for a maximum of two terms.[2] The president is elected directly by the people, although there is no poll if only one candidate is nominated, which has occurred on six occasions, most recently in 2004. The presidency is largely a ceremonial office, but the president does exercise certain limited powers with absolute discretion which have constitutional importance. The president acts as a representative of the Irish state and guardian of the constitution. The president's official residence is Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The office was established by the Constitution of Ireland in 1937. The first president assumed office in 1938, and became recognised internationally as head of state in 1949 after the coming into effect of the Republic of Ireland Act.
The current president is Michael D. Higgins, who was first elected on 29 October 2011, and inaugurated on 11 November 2011. He was re-elected for a second term on 26 October 2018.