The Tánaiste is the second-ranking member of the government of Ireland and the holder of its second-most senior office. They are the equivalent of a deputy prime minister in other parliamentary systems.
Tánaiste
Image: Seán Mac Entee portrait
Image: Mary Harney cropped
Image: Mary Coughlan
The Constitution of Ireland vests executive authority in the Government of Ireland, which is headed by the Taoiseach, the head of government. The government – also known as the cabinet – is composed of ministers, each of whom must be a member of the Oireachtas, which consists of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. Most ministers have a portfolio of specific responsibilities such as departments or policy areas, although ministers without portfolio can be appointed.
Government Buildings in Dublin.
Image: Simon Harris at the Special European Council 2024 (cropped)
Image: Micheál Martin TD (cropped)
Image: Michael Mc Grath 2014 (headshot)