Republic of Ireland
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The Republic of Ireland is a country in Europe. It covers about five-sixths of the island of Ireland. The other sixth is called Northern Ireland, the part which is still part of the United Kingdom. The Republic's capital is Dublin. English is the main language spoken. The Irish language is widely taught, and it is still spoken as a first language in some rural areas of the country. Irish is the first official language, followed by English.
[edit] History
From 1801 until 1922, the whole island of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom (UK). The Irish language was not used officially and some Irish culture suffered. Many Irish people wanted to rule themselves but the British Government kept most of the power in London. It was not until 1922, at the end of the Anglo-Irish War (also known as the Irish War of Independence), that an independent nation, the Irish Free State, was created. This country did not include Northern Ireland, which also got its own parliament though it remained in the UK. In 1937 Eamonn de Valera's parliament wrote a new constitution and the Irish Free State was renamed the Republic of Ireland ("Éire" in the Irish language). In 1955 Ireland joined the United Nations and in 1973 it joined the European Union.
[edit] Politics
Ireland is a parliamentary democracy. The head of State, the President, is elected for seven years by the adult citizens. The president is only allowed to do the job two times. Most of the president's tasks are representing and ceremonial ones. The president has little power over the government.
The prime minister (Taoiseach) is selected by the parliament and the president has to accept him. The Taoiseach is usually the head of the biggest party.
The parliament (Oireachtas) is consists of the Dail Eireann (Like the British House of Commons) and the Seanad (like the British House of Lords)
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