英美概况之爱尔兰2.1.ppt

Chapter 12: Politics and Economy Politics In common with most countries in Western Europe, Ireland is a representative democracy: most of its offices are filled through election, either direct or indirect, by the Irish People. Politics In structure, like most former colonies of Great Britain, the Irish Republic has a prime Minister or Taoiseach and a Deputy Prime Minister who appoints a cabinet to execute the daily business of government. The Parliament or Dail enacts all legislation for the country. This legislation is interpreted by a hierarchy of courts. Finally the laws are enforced by an unarmed police force, called the Garda Siochana (or “Guardians of the Peace”). Being a republic, rather than a monarchy, the government is headed by a President, who is elected directly by the people. The President Under the Constitution, the President (Uachtaran) is elected by the direct vote of the people. Every citizen of 35 years of age or over is eligible to run for President. Every citizen who has a right to vote in at an election for members of the Irish Parliament also has the right to vote at an election for President. The President’s term of office is 7 years. A President can be reelected once only. The President acts as a symbolic Head of State only and does not have executive functions. The Government The executive powers of the State are exercised by, or on the authority of, the Government. The Constitution provides that the Government shall consist of not less than 7 and not more than 15 members: all must be elected members of the Irish parliament. The Government acts collectively and is responsible to the Dail or Irish Parliament. The Government The Prime Minister is appointed by the President on the nomination of the Parliament. Thus the Prime Minister must emerge as an agreed candidate of the largest political party of the Parliament, or one that is agreed by a coalition of Parliament parties, and must resign if he ceases to retain the support of a majority