Republic of Ireland

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The Republic of Ireland is a country in Europe and is a member of the European Union. 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. Cork is the second largest city in the republic of Ireland and the third largest in Ireland. The population of Ireland is just under six million. 4.2 million live in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 live in Northern Ireland. 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, known as the gaeltacht. 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. Most Irish people wanted to rule themselves but the British Government kept most of the power in London.On Easter Monday 1916 a small rebel army led by Irish patriot Padraig Pearse attempted an uprising.The rebels had little ammunition and despite fighting bravely were soon defeated.The British Government executed the leaders of the uprising which sparked discontent in Ireland. From 1919 the I.R.A., effectively led by General Michael Collins, waged a guerrilla war against British forces in Ireland. The British Government sent veteran soldiers, known as the "black and tans", from the First world war to combat the I.R.A.The black and tans commited numerous atrocities and even shocked their own commanding officers. Due to the effective nature and manner in which Collins conducted the Irish war of independence, as well as the negative press generated by the deeds of the black and tans, the British Government agreed to enter treaty discussions with the newly formed Dail, or Irish government. The outcome of the treaty debate was a compromise.Northern Ireland would remain part of the U.K. and the remainder of Ireland would be an independent nation within the British commomwealth.A referendum was held in Ireland to decide if this treaty would be acceptable. Michael Collins led the pro treaty debate arguing that in time Ireland would eventually re-unite and withdraw from the common-wealth. The treaty was opposed by Eamonn DeValera. A war weary Irish public voted for the treaty. However Devalera and his supporters,the "irregulars", rejected the referendum and a bloody civil war ensued.

The leader of the pro-treaty forces, Michael Collins, was assinated in his native Cork in august 1922. By the end of that year the anti treaty forces were defeated. 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).Ireland remained neutral during World War Two as she was a small nation and her army had been significantly reduced after the war of independece and the civil war. Irish neutrality did however favour the allies.When Belfast was bombed DeValera sent aid to Northern Ireland.In 1955 Ireland joined the United Nations and in 1973 it joined the European Union.Since the early ninties Ireland has become one of the richest nations in the world in terms of G.D.P per capita.Also the Catholic church, once a strong social force, has rapidly lost influence in recent years.

[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)

The main political parties in Ireland are Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour, Sinn Fein, the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats.


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