The Office of President was established by The Constitution (Bunreacht na h Éireann). The President is elected directly by the people. To be a candidate a citizen must be over 35 years of age and must be nominated either by:

• Not less than 20 members of Dáil or Seanad Éireann, or
• Not less than 4 administrative counties (including County Boroughs)

Former or retiring Presidents may become candidates on their own nomination.

The term of office is 7 years and a President may not serve more than 2 terms. The President must reside in or near Dublin. St. Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle, is the venue for Inauguration ceremonies, at which each President takes an oath as provided in the Constitution.

The President represents all the people when undertaking official engagements at home and abroad. The President is Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces. There have been eight different holders of the office - Mary McAleese is the current President.

For more information please visit the official website of the President of Ireland.