From the Defence Forces to dissolving the Dail - what responsibilities will Catherine Connolly have as president?

"The office of president is seen as a largely ceremonial role which involves hosting heads of state at the official residence, Aras an Uachtarain 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."

"The office of president is seen as a largely ceremonial role which involves hosting heads of state at the official residence, Aras an Uachtarain 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."

The president performs primarily ceremonial duties, hosting foreign heads of state and conducting diplomatic and civic engagements at Aras an Uachtarain in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The president also serves a constitutional safeguard by reviewing legislation passed by the parliament to assess compliance with the constitution. When doubts about constitutionality arise, the president consults the Council of State before deciding on referral. After consultation, the president can refer challenged legislation to the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling. This referral power provides a legal check on parliamentary legislation while most daily functions remain ceremonial.

Read at Irish Independent