ABSTRACT

Politics in the Republic of Ireland is newly available in a fully revised third edition. Building on the success of the first two editions, it continues to provide an authoritative introduction to all aspects of politics in the Irish Republic. Published in association with the Political Studies Association of Ireland, and written by some of the foremost experts on Irish politics, it explains, analyzes and interprets the background and processes of Irish government. Crucially it provides the student with the very latest developments.
Coverage includes:
* all aspects of the Irish political system, including the constitution, electoral system, parties, the links between member sof parliament and their constituents, the government, the President, and the Taoiseach
* an exploration of the foundations of statehood, Irish society and political culture
* Ireland's relationship with Britain and its role within the European Union
* women and Irish politics
* appendices providing demographic data, electoral data, political office holders, biographical notes on major political figures and a chronology of the main political events

1. The Foundations of Statehood John Coakley  2. Society and Political Culture John Coakley  3. The Changing Constitution Michael Gallagher  4. The Electoral System Richael Sinnot  5. Party Competition and the Changing Party System Peter Mair  6. Parties and Voters Michael Laver and Michael Marsh  7. Parliament Michael Gallagher  8. The Constituency Role of TDs Michael Gallagher and Lee Komito  9. Political Leadership: The President and the Taoiseach Robert Elgie  10. The Government and the Governmental System Eileen Connolly and Eunan O'Halpin  11. The Role of Interest Groups in the Policy-Making Process Gary Murphy  12. Women in Politics Yvonne Galligan  13. Ireland: A Small Open Polity Patrick Keatinge and Brigid Laffan  14. Democratic Politics in Independent Ireland Tom Garvin