In Ireland the President is directly elected, and the Taoiseach is the head of the Government

Background

Article 12 of the Constitution of Ireland provides for a President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann), elected by direct vote of the people. Voting is by secret ballot under proportional representation by the single transferable vote. Under Article 13, the President appoints the Taoiseach, that is, the head of the Government or Prime Minister, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann. The President also appoints other Government members on the Taoiseach's nomination with Dáil approval.