A Day Full of Irish Politics

As you know, I am studying Comparative European Politics here at TCD, but we do not often talk about the politics of the Emerald Island, even though there is a lot going on and a general election coming up.  After out visit to the President's Mansion two weeks ago, we made plans to tour the Dáil Éirann, the Irish Parliament.  One of my classmates has an uncle who is a TD (Member of Parliament) and he arranged a tour of the Dáil for us.

It was a very interesting tour and since the Parliament was not in session, we were able to get up close to the Senate meeting chamber.  Now I have been to two parliaments (Ireland and Québec), but I still haven't made it to Congress...perhaps this summer I will call up Leonard Lance and make that happen.

Leinster House, home of the Dáil Éirann

The Senate Chamber

After our tour of the Dáil (and coffee) we headed back up to TCD to hear Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland, speak at the University Philosophical Society, a debating society that we attend every so often.  It was a great opportunity to hear President McAlesse speak, and I think that some of our politicians could learn a few things from her.  She was very personable and seemed easy to connect to, but also commanded the room's attention.  She is the second female president of Ireland, and the first one born in Northern Ireland.  She is finishing up her second term as president, and as she is term-limited, she plans to return to school and further her already advanced career in law.