The President of Ireland is Mary McAleese, elected by the Irish people in November 1997 for the traditional seven-year term. The office of the President is largely symbolic, carrying few constitutional powers. The symbolic importance of the Presidency was given an enormous boost during Mary Robinson's seven-year term (1990-1997) and this shift in emphasis has continued under President McAlees's presidency.
State symbols
Irish flag has 3 colours: there are green, white and orange. It is understood that every colour has its meaning. For instance, green symbolizes all the Catholic population of the country while the orange colour represents Protestant people of Ireland. Last, white colour of the flag means peace between these 2 religions.
Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument - the harp - as its national emblem. In this land, famous for its love of music, modern forms such as country-and-western and rock flourish, but it is traditional music that captures the essence of the country.
And the last but not least symbol of Ireland is shamrock. According to legend, saint Patrick brought this plant on Emerald Isle and from those old times shamrock symbolizes good luck. Nowadays you still can see this plant by houses, offices; some people wear charms representing this marvellous plant.