What type of government does Ireland have and who is there leaders currently 2009?

Ireland is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected for a seven-year term by direct popular vote. The president is the symbol of the Irish nation and its unity, but has limited powers. The head of government is the prime minister, who is appointed by the president on the nomination of the Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament). The prime minister and the government are collectively responsible to the Dáil. The current president of Ireland is Michael D. Higgins, and the current prime minister is Micheál Martin.