IrelandBy Cali JacksonDemographicsPopulation: 4,459,300Capital: Dublin (pop. 506,211)Population Breakdown: 0-14 years (20%), 15-24 years (15%), 25-44 years (32%), 65 + years (11%)Ethnic groups: Irish with English minorityLanguages: English, Irish (Gaelic)Work Force: Services (74%), Industry (21%), agriculture (5%)Political HistoryThe Irish people are mainly of Celtic origin. The early inhabitants arrived around 6000 BC.St. Patrick brought Christianity around 432 AD. In 1800, the Irish parliament passed the Act of Union and officially became a part of the United Kingdom until 1829. In 1858, Ireland made their first opposition known to Britain through the Republican Brotherhood. They believed in the mantra, “England’s problem is Ireland’s opportunity.”1916, Irish leaders declared Ireland an independent republic. The British military executed the leaders of the rebellion and cause more tension. This tension soon caused the Anglo-Irish War of 1919-1921. Political History (cont.) The the end of the Anglo-Irish War brought the Anglo- Irish treaty of 1921. Northern Ireland remained under British rule, which led to further hostilities and a civil war from 1922-1923. A new Irish constitution was written in 1937. Current Political SystemIreland is a sovereign, independent, democratic state with a parliamentary system of government. President is the head of state with a 7 year term and can only be re-elected once. The prime minister (taoiseach) is elected by the Dail (lower house of parliament). The bicameral Oireachtas (parliament) consists of the Seanad Eireann (Senate) and the Dail Eireann (House of Representatives). Judges are appointed by the president and the ultimate court of appeal is the Supreme Court. Politics (cont.)Local government is elected by county councils.2 major political parties: Fianne Fail and Fine GaelCurrent Political LeadersPresident: Mary McAleeseTaoseach (Prime Minister): Brian CowenTanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister): Mary CoughlanForeign Minister: Micheal MartinAmbassador to U.S.: Michael Collins Overview GovernmentType: Parliament republicIndependence: December 6, 1921Constitution: December 29, 1937Major Political Parties: Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour, Green Party, and Sinn FeinEconomyGDP (2009): $222.7 billionTrade: Exports ($116.5 billion) Imports ($62.5 billion) Current EconomyUntil 2008, Ireland boasted in having one of the most open economies in the world.Before Seprember 11, 2001, the Irish economy generated 90,000 jobs annually and attracted over 200,000 foreign workers. In 2008, the Irish propery market crashed and put pressure on Irish banks. In 2010, the government intervened to ensure the safety of the banks. The U.S. and Ireland are very close. Social IssuesCatholics and Protestants hate each other.Nationalists and Republican groups want to unite Northern IrelandUnionists and Loyalists want Northern Ireland to remain a part of the U.K.
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