Irish presidential election: Who is running and what’s at stake?
Summary
Voters in Ireland are set to elect a new president for a seven-year term. This election marks a significant shift as it involves candidates with clear left-wing and right-wing views, which is a departure from the country's historical political alignment. The Irish presidency is mostly a ceremonial role but influential in diplomatic and constitutional matters.Key Facts
- Irish voters will choose a new president for a seven-year term in an upcoming election.
- The role of the president in Ireland is mostly ceremonial, with responsibilities in diplomacy and ensuring the constitution is followed.
- Historically, Irish politics haven't been divided by left-right wings, but this election features candidates from both sides.
- Sinn Fein, a left-wing nationalist party, received the most votes in the 2020 general election, challenging the traditional dominance of centre-right parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
- Fianna Fail and Fine Gael formed a coalition government with the Green Party in 2020, a first in their history.
- The president represents Ireland internationally, hosts foreign leaders, and lives at Aras an Uachtarain in Dublin.
- The presidency was established in 1938, adopting the Bunreacht na hEireann (the current Irish constitution).
- Mary Robinson, elected in 1990, was Ireland's first female president and transformed the role into a more active and socially-focused position.
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