Members of the 30th Dáil and Ruairi Quinn (Lab). Following a vote, John O'Donoghue was elected to this position. The position of Taoiseach was contested by Bertie Ahern (FF) and Enda Kenny (FG). Following a vote Bertie Ahern was elected to this position, making it his third consecutive term in office. On 7 May 2008, Brian Cowen was elected Taoiseach in place of Ahern, who had resigned. Séamus Kirk was elected Ceann Comhairle on 13 October 2009 following the resignation of O'Donoghue. Government coalition parties are denoted by "●". This is a graphical comparison of party strengths in the 30th Dáil from January 2011, shortly
Irreligion in the Republic of Ireland atheists, which is a vast increase from 2005. This number is thought to be higher due to citizens describing themselves as "cultural Catholics". According to the 2016 Irish Census, approximately 9.5% of Irish citizens are irreligious. The Humanist Association of Ireland represents the non-religious in Ireland, as well as specifically those who identify as humanists. It received the ability to conduct legal marriages in 2012. As of 2018, it conducts more marriages in Ireland than the Church of Ireland, but still less than the Catholic Church. Irreligion in the Republic of Ireland Ireland has been traditionally devoutly Catholic throughout most