The Irish system of government is based somewhat on the British parliamentary system. However the voting system is proportional representation, which in fact is the preferred method in many democracies. Many people feel that this is a fairer method of voting because it means that if for example 40% of the electors vote for a certain party then that party will hold 40% of the elected seats rather than the party that wins the most seats holding an absolute majority.

The Parliament (known as the Oireachtas in Irish) consists of two houses, the lower house is the Dail which consists of 166 elected members known as teachta Dala or T.D.s. The Prime Minister is known as the taoiseach. The upper house is the Senate (Seanad) the members of this are nominated by the Prime Minister and elected by university graduates and councillors throughout the country. The head of state is the President (an tuachtaran) and is largely a figurehead with no executive power (similar to the British monarch). However in recent years some noteable Irish presidents such as Mary Robinson have certainly left their mark on the world stage.