President of Ireland

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 presidency 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 president's official residence and principal workplace is Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The presidency is a predominantly ceremonial institution, serving as the representative of the Irish state both at home and abroad. Nevertheless, the office of president is endowed with certain powers which have constitutional importance. While Éamon de Valera described his intentions for the office as being "mainly to guard the Constitution", such a description is deprecated by some academics, with the leading constitutional text noting "the Constitution is extremely sparing in its attribution of any independent functions to the office at all". Be that as it may, both the Office of the President and the wider legal community in Ireland recognise the president as a "protector of the rights of citizens" and the "guardian of the constitution". This interpretation of the president's role is in keeping with their solemn oath to "maintain the Constitution of Ireland and uphold its laws". Presidents hold office for seven years, and may serve a maximum of two terms. 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 incumbent president is Catherine Connolly, who has served since her inauguration on 11 November 2025, having won the 2025 Irish presidential election. She is the tenth person to hold the office, as well as the third woman, following the successive tenures of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.