What are Catherine Connolly’s responsibilities as president?

President Catherine Connolly Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The office of President is seen as a largely ceremonial role which involves hosting heads of state at the official residence, Arás an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park, Dublin, and other diplomatic and civic engagements.

The president must also consider whether legislation passed by the parliament complies with the constitution, and if they believe it does not, in consultation with the Council of State, they can refer it to the Supreme Court.

In recent years, the presidency has become a more political role.

During his tenure, former president Michael D Higgins said Ireland’s housing crisis was “our great, great failure”, that the UN was “losing credibility”, and that the State must “urgently meet the needs of” and address the concerns of the survivors of mother and baby homes.

Ireland’s new president, Catherine Connolly, has also been an outspoken critic of the Government and referenced in her inauguration speech that she had been given a mandate to articulate a “vision for a new republic” where a “home is a fundamental human right”.

The powers and functions of the president are set out in Article 13 of the Irish Constitution.

Among her roles, Ms Connolly will represent all the people of Ireland at home and abroad through public engagements, making speeches and receiving visitors to the Aras.

She will also be responsible for officially appointing the country’s next Taoiseach after they are nominated by the Dáil parliament.

The president also appoints members of government and other office holders, including judges, commissioned officers of the Defence Forces and the attorney general.

The office holder also summons and dissolves the Dáil on advice of the Taoiseach, and can call a fresh election when the Taoiseach no longer has majority support.

The president may also refuse to dissolve the Dáil – in which case MPs, or TDs, must nominate an alternative government.

Ms Connolly will also act as the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.

The term of the role is seven years, and a president can serve a maximum of two terms.