Hello. Welcome to Ireland. First off the forum here is pretty much dead. To get involved I would read the Irish press and comment as much as possible. Then friend every person you see. That way you get to see the conversations going on in the shout threads. Also check your party thread and MU (Bootcamp I assume since you are new) and comment and friend there also.
Have fun. Getting involved is the real fun of the game.
Also check out my football league.
http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/efootball1-2072224/1/20