President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State

The President of the Executive Council (Irish: Uachtaráin na hArd-Chomhairle) was the head of government or prime minister of the 1922-1937 Irish Free State, and the leader of the Executive Council (cabinet). The President was appointed by the Governor-General, upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament) and had to enjoy the confidence of the Dáil to remain in office.

History

The office of President of the Executive Council came into being with the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, replacing the previous offices of President of the Irish Republic and Chairman of the Provisional Government. Only two individuals held the office of President of the Executive Council during its existence: W.T. Cosgrave, until 1932, and Eamon de Valera thereafter. In 1937, under Amendment No. 27 to the constitution, adopted in 1936, the office of Governor General was abolished and from then onwards most of his powers were exercised by the Executive Council directly. Under the amendment the constitution provided that the President of the Executive Council be simply elected by the Dáil rather than appointed by the Governor General, although in practice this was a difference merely of symbolism. The office of President of the Executive Council was also abolished, replaced by the office of Taoiseach (prime minister - literally, "leader"), under the terms of the new Constitution of Ireland. The Taoiseach occupies a more powerful position than the President of the Executive Council did, and has authority both to dismiss ministers individually and to request a dissolution of parliament on his own initiative.

Related Topics:
President of the Irish Republic - Chairman of the Provisional Government - W.T. Cosgrave - 1932 - Eamon de Valera - Amendment No. 27 - Constitution of Ireland

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