Democracy in Ireland The Oireachtais Government Opposition Political

Democracy in Ireland The Oireachtais Government & Opposition Political Parties & Electoral System

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins

The Government of the Republic of Ireland 2016 - Present Fine Gael

Leo Varadkar Taoiseach, Minister for Defence & Leader of Fine Gael

Frances Fitzgerald Tánaiste & Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation

Minister for Finance Pascal Donohue (FG)

Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade with responsibility for Brexit Simon Coveney (FG)

Minister for Education & Skills Richard Bruton (Fine Gael)

Minister for Health Simon Harris (FG)

Minister for Justice & Equality Charlie Flanagan (FG)

Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment Denis Naughten (Labour Party)

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Shane Ross (Independent)

Minister for Culture, Heritage & Gaeltacht Heather Humphries (FG)

The Opposition - FIANNA FÁIL - LABOUR - SINN FÉIN - INDEPENDENT TDS

Fianna Fáil Leader • Michael Martin (T. D. )

Sinn Féin Leader • Gerry Adams (T. D. )

Independent TDs

The Oireachtais consists of: • The President (Áras an Uachtarán) • Dáil Eireann (Leinster House) • Seanad Eireann (Leinster House)

Dáil Eireann • 158 TD representing • 40 Constituencies • Ceann Comhairle: Seán Ó Fearghaíl T. D.

Seanad Eireann 60 Senators are appointed as follows: • 11 by the Taoiseach • 3 by Trinity College Dublin Cathaoirleach: Denis O’Donovan (FF) • 3 by NUI (National Universities of Ireland) • 43 elected by County Councils & Vocational Committees: - Culture and Education, - Agriculture, - Labour, - Industry and Commerce - Public Administration

Elections • General Election: held every 5 years • Presidential Election: held every 7 years • European Elections: held every 5 years • By-Election: held when a sitting TD resigns or dies • Local Election: held every 5 years (in May or June)

Party Logos in The Republic of Ireland

Fine Gael

Fianna Fáil

Labour Party

Sinn Féin

Socialist Party