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The state known today as the 'Republic of Ireland' is, and has been, known by a number of names, some of which have been controversial. The state's official title, as in the Irish constitution, is simply Ireland (in English) and Éire (in the Irish language). The term the Republic of Ireland (Irish: Poblacht na hÉireann) is rather the official 'description' of the state, as defined by law. The Republic of Ireland is generally used in any context in which it is necessary to distinguish between the state and the island of Ireland as a whole. Short-hand terms such as the Republic,the State and the South, are also used for the same purpose.