What is a republic?
A republic is run by representatives of the people. Many republics also have limits placed on government power, safeguarding minorities, but not all republics are democracies. The Syrian government is one example.
But the word “republic” doesn’t always mean a lot. The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea is a Stalinist dictatorship. The Republic of Italy is occasionally ruled by unelected experts (technocrats) to steer it through economic crises (most recently in 2013). The Repubic of Singapore, and the People’s Republic of China, are also effectively technocracies.
What is sovereignty?
The right of a nation to decide how it is governed, and by what laws. Historically, a monarch was usually sovereign. Today, “the people” are sovereign in many countries, including Ireland. Since 1648, a state is usually considered sovereign if not dependent on, or subject to, other states (or other authorities like the Pope). Increasingly challenged by multinational corporations, national sovereignty in the West is often pooled through organisations like the EU and UN.
How is Ireland linked to European institutions?
Ireland works with other EU governments on the European Council, over which we periodically preside. There are also 11 Irish members of the European Parliament.
What about the European Commission? Who elects them?
It’s complicated. There are 28 commissioners, including one chosen by each member state, and presided over by Jean-Claude Juncker, who was elected by the European Parliament. He runs the Commission as a cabinet government. Irish politician Phil Hogan, chosen by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, is currently EU Agriculture Commissioner. The Commission (EC) introduces and monitors EU legislation and policy – and rules against member states or corporations in breach of EU law. The EC also offices in Dublin and Belfast.
You weren’t joking about it being complicated.
And yet, despite the odd Treaty rejection, Ireland is generally pro-EU. Just one in five people here would consider voting to leave. Ireland recently only became a net contributor to the EU budget. Since 1973 we have received over €67 billion (€42 billion net) in payments from Brussels.
What about royalty?
There are seven constitutional monarchies in the EU, but all are constitutional figureheads. EU countries must be democratic, respect human rights, and have a market economy.
Are there any dictatorships in our near neighbourhood?
Not in the EU, no. Concerns have, however, been raised over the rightwards march of the Hungarian and Polish governments. Globally, more than half (54%) of countries are still ruled by dictators or partial dictators, according to one study. Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia for over 16 years, while Aleksandar Lukashenko has run Belarus since 1994. Recep Erdogan also wields considerable control in Turkey.
When is a republic not a republic?
The Republic of Northern Cyprus, established after Turkey invaded in 1974, is reasonably democratic but recognised only by Ankara. More than 130 countries, meanwhile, recognise the state of Palestine, under occupation by Israel. In Ukraine, Russia-annexed Crimea, and the People’s Republics in Donetsk and Lugansk are likewise unrecognised. A similar situation exists in Transnistria in Moldova, and Moroccan-occupied western Sahara.
