What is a Tánaiste?
For example, when the Taoiseach cannot perform a duty, the Tánaiste can deputise; the job is also a senior Cabinet role in its own right.
Tánaiste is Irish for the second in line, from an old Gaelic term for the heir of a chief. Article 28.6 of the Constitution says the Taoiseach shall nominate a member of the Government to be the Tánaiste. The plural is Tánaistí.
The Tánaiste is a Minister who also has the second-highest office in the Government. The Constitution says the Tánaiste must be a member of the Dáil, and acts for the Taoiseach if the Taoiseach dies, resigns or is absent.What is a Taoiseach?
Who is the Tánaiste now?
Simon Harris TD, leader of Fine Gael and a TD for Wicklow, has been Tánaiste since 23 January 2025. He was Taoiseach from April 2024 until the January 2025 handover after the November 2024 general election. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil agreed to share the office of Taoiseach in a coalition with independent TDs.Who is the Prime Minister of Ireland?
What does the Tánaiste do?
- Deputises for the Taoiseach when they are away, for example at EU summits or on a State visit.
- Sits in Cabinet and usually runs a major department.
- Speaks for their party in the coalition, and for the Government in the Dáil when the Taoiseach is not there.
- Would take over as head of the Government if the Taoiseach could no longer serve, until the Dáil chose a new one.
The Tánaiste is not the same as the President. The President is head of State and is elected by voters, whereas the Tánaiste is a Government Minister nominated by the Taoiseach.Taoiseach vs President.
How does the planned rotation work?
The coalition agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael provides for the two leaders to swap roles partway through the Dáil term.
January 2025
Micheál Martin is elected Taoiseach and Simon Harris is appointed Tánaiste.
November 2027
Under the programme for government, Micheál Martin is due to resign as Taoiseach so that Simon Harris can be nominated.
A new Dáil vote
The swap is not automatic. The Dáil must vote to nominate the new Taoiseach, and the President then appoints them.
Common mix-ups
Common assumption: The Tánaiste automatically becomes Taoiseach if the Taoiseach resigns.
In fact: A new Taoiseach needs a Dáil vote. The Tánaiste only acts for the Taoiseach in the meantime or during absences.
Common assumption: Tánaiste is a full-time job on its own.
In fact: The Tánaiste usually runs a Government department as well, alongside the deputy role.