The political framework of Ireland

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Catherine Martina Ann Connolly (since November 2025)
Prime Minister: Michael Martin (since January 2025)

Next Election Dates

House of Representatives: November 2029

Main Political Parties

The main parties currently represented in the parliament include:

- Fianna Fail: centre/centre-right, populist
- Sinn Fein: left-wing, democratic socialist and Irish republican party advocating for a united Ireland. It is the main opposition party
- Fine Gael: centre-right, socially moderate and fiscally conservative. Allied with Fianna Fail
- Labour: centre-left social-democratic party founded in 1912, advocating for workers' rights and social justice
- Social Democrats: centre-left party advocating for social justice and progressive social policies
- People Before Profit–Solidarity (PBPS): a left-wing electoral alliances formed by members of two socialist political parties, People Before Profit (PBP) and Solidarity
- Aontú (Unity): conservative nationalist party promoting traditional values and advocating for Irish unity
- Green Party: centre-left, driven by green politics
- Independent Ireland: promoting non-affiliated, grassroots-driven governance and policies in Ireland.

Executive Power

The President, who serves as the Head of State in a largely ceremonial role, is elected for a 7-year term and can be re-elected only once. The Prime Minister (Taoiseach) is the Head of the Government. He is appointed by the president after being appointed by the lower house.

Legislative Power

Bicameral national Parliament (Oireachtas): House of Representatives (Dail Éireann) and Senate (Seanad). The Chamber of Deputies has 174 members elected by universal suffrage and the Senate is composed of 60 members (of which 49 indirectly elected and 11 appointed).

Indicator of Political Freedom

Political Freedom:

1/7