Proof we have too many TDS

westtip

An election count is always an acid reminder of why we have far too many TDs and why we are wildly over-represented, Here's a prime esample - Four TD elected each on the following number of votes in Dublin Central

7641, 7115, 6933, 6587 Four TDs each on 90k a year plus expenses to represent less than 30,000 people, no wonder the rest of Europe looks on at the mess we are in.

With expenses the cost of representation of thes 30,000 people will be about 1,000,000 a year - Its plain daft. then take into account all the ex TDs who have represnted these people getting paid pensions now.

Examples all over the country, I found it quite incredulous. It is little wonder that it is actually possible to know all yoru voters personallay and their children and the names of their pet goldfish.

I don't think anything will change - I reckon if push comes to shove and serious reform is announced and put to a referendum we will vote to keep the system we have because we have this ludicrous notion of being one handshake away from a minister.

TDs getting sinecures of jobs for this numbe of votes is quite simply daft.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Tarobot

Does anyone know what the EU average is of representative per capita?

I'd agree with Permabear, though, that we have bigger problems.

Sad Professor

I wouldn't have a problem with the number of TDs if they got rid of the senate. But if the senate stays in whatever form, I agree that the number of TDs should reduced.

I seriously doubt FG will change anything though.

gizmo555

Sad Professor wrote: »

I wouldn't have a problem with the number of TDs if they got rid of the senate. But if the senate stays in whatever form, I agree that the number of TDs should reduced.

There must, constitutionally, be at least one TD per 30,000 of the population and no more than one per 20,000.

There could on that basis be a reduction of 24 TDs without any change to the constitution, which abolishing the Seante would require.

pigeonbutler

Tarobot wrote: »

Does anyone know what the EU average is of representative per capita?

I'd agree with Permabear, though, that we have bigger problems.

Average doesn't really give a sensible indication. If we had same ratio as India we'd have about 3 TDs.

Political scientcists tend to say that the normal size of a national legislature is the cube root of the population. In our case cube root of 4.2million is 161 so we're pretty close!

murphaph

Around 100 TDs is perfectly sufficient. Seanad should go-hasn't refused to rubber stamp a bill from the Dail in 40+ years anyway and tbh I want my laws made by the Dail and checked for constitutionality by the Supreme Court if needs be. I do not want people hand picked by some posh universities or by the Taoiseach of the day having an unelected say in the laws of my country.

Totally off topic: Well done Kerry south! John O' Donoghue sent packing for his thievery from the Irish taxpayer. Shame about the Healy Raes.

Anonymous1987

There are stronger arguments to be made for reforming the Seanad and confining local issues to county councils than reducing the number of TDs. If election counts mean that many candidates achieve below the quota, it is more a relfection of diversity of political representation rather than proof of too many TDs.

Centaur

If you reduce the number of TD's you also reduce the amount of talent from which to draw ministers. Obviously this is a moot point considering where that "talent" has put us but I think the fundamental point is correct.

Flukey

We shall see what happens in next year's General Election. "Next year's General Election?" I hear you say. Yes, next year's. I am not saying the government will fall, but if the parties are to hold true to their political promises there will be one then, or even this year. Throughout the recent campaign we have been unanimously promised political and electoral reform. If the parties are going to honour that promise, the reform will be brought in very soon, and an election will immediately follow. We've been told frequently over the last 3 weeks that the current electoral and political systems are not fit for purpose. So logically that should be changed as soon as possible, so that we have a political system that is fit for purpose. We'll then be in a better position to tackle the country's problems. Fine Gael have spoken about their "Constitution Day" next year. If that happens and the referendums are passed for a new electoral system, then there should be an immediate general election so we have a new government under a new system, with less TDs. Will this happen? Of course not. It was an election promise after all!!!