History of Taoiseach in Timeline

The Taoiseach is the Prime Minister of Ireland, the head of government. Appointed by the President of Ireland, the nomination comes from Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament. Critically, the Taoiseach must maintain the support of a majority in the Dáil to remain in power. This role is central to the political landscape of Ireland, acting as the chief executive and representative of the government.

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Full Timeline

1913: "Amhrán Dóchais" Poem Written

In 1913, Osborn Bergin wrote the poem "Amhrán Dóchais" ("Song of Hope").

1922: W.T. Cosgrave Holds Office

From 1922, W. T. Cosgrave of Cumann na nGaedheal held the office of President of the Executive Council.

1922: Establishment of President of the Executive Council

In 1922, the position of President of the Executive Council was established in the Irish Free State.

1932: Éamon de Valera Holds Office

From 1932, Éamon de Valera of Fianna Fáil held the office of President of the Executive Council.

1937: Establishment of the Office of Taoiseach

Before the enactment of the 1937 Constitution, the head of government was the President of the Executive Council.

1937: Amendment to Substitute "Prime Minister"

In 1937, during the debate in the Dáil on the draft Constitution of Ireland, Frank MacDermot moved an amendment to substitute "Prime Minister" for "Taoiseach" in the English text.

1937: Adoption of Taoiseach Title

In 1937, the Irish word "taoiseach", meaning "chief" or "leader", was adopted in the Constitution of Ireland as the official title of the head of the Government or Prime Minister.

1937: Creation of a Powerful Taoiseach Role

In 1937, the Taoiseach role was created with significantly more power, enabling the holder to advise the President to dismiss ministers and dissolve Parliament.

1937: Establishment of the Taoiseach Position

In 1937, the modern position of Taoiseach was established by the Constitution of Ireland, replacing the President of the Executive Council.

1944: Presidential Prerogative Arises

In 1944, an event occurred where the option for the President to exercise the prerogative to refuse a dissolution of the Dáil arose.

1982: Presidential Prerogative Arises

In 1982, the option for the President to exercise the prerogative to refuse a dissolution of the Dáil arose twice.

1994: Presidential Prerogative Arises

In 1994, an event occurred where the option for the President to exercise the prerogative to refuse a dissolution of the Dáil arose.

1999: State Acquisition of Farmleigh Estate

In 1999, the State acquired the Farmleigh estate for €29.2 million.

2005: Renovation of Steward's Lodge

In 2005, the former Steward's Lodge at Farmleigh was renovated at a cost of nearly €600,000 by the Office of Public Works.

2007: Proposed Salary Increase Deferred

In 2007, a proposed increase of €38,000 in the Taoiseach's salary was deferred when Brian Cowen became Taoiseach.

October 2008: Government Announces Salary Cut

In October 2008, the government announced a 10% salary cut for all ministers, including the Taoiseach, though it was a voluntary cut.

2008: Speculation of Official Residence

In 2008, it was reported speculatively that the former Steward's Lodge at Farmleigh adjoining the Phoenix Park would become the official residence of the Taoiseach.

December 2009: Salary Cut Controversy

In December 2009, controversy arose when a salary cut of 20% was based on the higher figure before the refused 10% amount was deducted.

2011: Brian Cowen Resigns as Party Leader

In 2011, Taoiseach Brian Cowen resigned as party leader and was succeeded by Micheál Martin, but continued as Taoiseach until a new government was formed.

2013: Salary Cut under Haddington Road Agreement

In 2013, the Taoiseach's annual salary was cut further to €185,350 under the Haddington Road Agreement.

2020: Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Enter Coalition

In 2020, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael entered coalition together for the first time, agreeing to rotate the role of Taoiseach.

2024: Parties Continue Rotating Role

Following the 2024 election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael opted to continue their rotating role for the Taoiseach position.

2024: General Election

In 2024, a general election took place, which led to an agreement between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and independent TDs.

January 2025: Micheál Martin Takes Office

On 23 January 2025, Micheál Martin, TD, leader of Fianna Fáil, assumed the role of Taoiseach, following the 2024 general election and an agreement between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and independent TDs.