Historical leaders of Ireland and other associated countries

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The following list shows all historical leaders of Ireland starting with the most recent. The definition of leader differs across countries, usually referring to a head of state or head of government. This list shows the person who is publicly recognized as the leader, i.e., the person representing the country internationally and being in charge of running the day-to-day domestic political agenda.

In case the country has seen one or multiple political transformations over time, former governance structures are also listed below.

Leaders of Ireland

Ireland

Micheál Martin

Taoiseach

Since Jan 23rd, 2025

Ireland

Simon Harris

Taoiseach

Apr 9th, 2024 to Jan 23rd, 2025

Ireland

Leo Varadkar

Taoiseach

Dec 17th, 2022 to Apr 9th, 2024

Ireland

Micheál Martin

Taoiseach

Jun 27th, 2020 to Dec 17th, 2022

Ireland

Leo Varadkar

Taoiseach

Jun 14th, 2017 to Jun 27th, 2020

Ireland

Enda Kenny

Taoiseach

Mar 9th, 2011 to Jun 14th, 2017

Ireland

Brian Cowen

Taoiseach

May 7th, 2008 to Mar 9th, 2011

Ireland

Bertie Ahern

Taoiseach

Jun 26th, 1997 to May 7th, 2008

Ireland

John Bruton

Taoiseach

Dec 15th, 1994 to Jun 26th, 1997

Ireland

Albert Reynolds

Taoiseach

Feb 11th, 1992 to Dec 15th, 1994

Ireland

Charles Haughey

Taoiseach

Mar 10th, 1987 to Feb 11th, 1992

Ireland

Garret FitzGerald

Taoiseach

Dec 14th, 1982 to Mar 10th, 1987

Ireland

Charles Haughey

Taoiseach

Mar 9th, 1982 to Dec 14th, 1982

Ireland

Garret FitzGerald

Taoiseach

Jun 30th, 1981 to Mar 9th, 1982

Ireland

Charles Haughey

Taoiseach

Dec 11th, 1979 to Jun 30th, 1981

Ireland

Jack Lynch

Taoiseach

Jul 5th, 1977 to Dec 11th, 1979

Ireland

Liam Cosgrave

Taoiseach

Mar 14th, 1973 to Jul 5th, 1977

Ireland

Jack Lynch

Taoiseach

Nov 10th, 1966 to Mar 14th, 1973

Ireland

Seán Lemass

Taoiseach

Jun 23rd, 1959 to Nov 10th, 1966

Ireland

Éamon de Valera

Taoiseach

Mar 20th, 1957 to Jun 23rd, 1959

Ireland

John A. Costello

Taoiseach

Jun 2nd, 1954 to Mar 20th, 1957

Ireland

Éamon de Valera

Taoiseach

Jun 13th, 1951 to Jun 2nd, 1954

Ireland

John A. Costello

Taoiseach

Feb 18th, 1948 to Jun 13th, 1951

Ireland

Éamon de Valera

Taoiseach

Dec 29th, 1937 to Feb 18th, 1948

Leaders of Irish Free State

Irish Free State

Éamon de Valera

President of the Executive Council

Mar 9th, 1932 to Dec 29th, 1937

Irish Free State

W. T. Cosgrave

President of the Executive Council

Dec 6th, 1922 to Mar 9th, 1932

Irish Free State

W. T. Cosgrave

Chairman of the Provisional Government

Aug 22nd, 1922 to Dec 6th, 1922

Irish Free State

Michael Collins

Chairman of the Provisional Government

Jan 16th, 1922 to Aug 22nd, 1922