Article 14 of the Bunreacht na hÉireann (Constitution of Ireland) of 1937 provided that the functions of Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland) during the vacancy will be exercised by the Coimisiún (Commission) consisting of Príomh-Bhreiteamh (Chief Justice), Cathaoirleach Dháil Éireann/An Ceann Comhairle (Chairman of Dáil Éireann), and Cathaoirleach Sheanad Éireann (Chairman of Seanad Éireann). The office of President of Ireland remained vacant in the period between the demise of President Erskine H. Childers (17 Nov 1974) and the day (19 Dec 1974) when President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh took the oath of office. In accordance with Article 14, the Commission was set up and included Thomas O'Higgins (Chief Justice), Sean Treacy (Chairman of Dáil Éireann), and James Dooge (Chairman of Seanad Éireann). |