Taoiseach

The Taoiseach (pronounced "TEE-shock"; plural: Taoisigh [TEE-shig]) is the official title of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. The title has its origin in the leaders of clans in medieval Ireland. The Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland is known as the Tánasite. The current Taoiseach is Brian Cowen, leader of the Fianna Fail party.

History[edit]

The origin of the office of Taoiseach comes from the establishment of the Irish Free State, the precursor to the current Republic of Ireland, in 1923. The premier of the new free state was known as the President of the Executive Council. When a new Irish Constitution was passed in 1937, this office was replaced with that of the Taoiseach, though its roles and fucntions remained the same. The office of Taoiseach is usually assumed by the leader of whatever party which gains the most votes in a general election. A Taoiseach's term lasts five years, and unlike the American presidential system, there is no term limit. The longest serving Taoiseach so far is Eamon de Valera, who served as Taoiseach (renaming it from President in 1937) from 1932 to 1948, a total of sixteen years. The shortest term for any Taoiseach so far was Charles Haughey's second term, which lasted a little over nine months.

Taoisigh of Ireland[edit]