Studying Irish Politics

jbloggs1245

Hi all

Im a 18 year old student in 6th year who is very keen on Irish politics and possibly perusing a career in it.

Was currently wondering how smart one must be to make it to Dail Eireann? Lets just say as a FF or FG member

Wouldn't be too much of an academic myself do OL Maths and Irish. But undertaking English Business Economics Geo Accounting French all higher im looking at a points total of 430 + LCVP

Is this too average?

Also can anyone recommend a the best courses related to this career?

hatrickpatrick

In all honesty, I would never vote for someone based on academic credentials or perceived intelligence, only on whether they advocated policies I support and opposed policies I don't. Any other way of deciding who to vote for has always seemed odd to me, really. I can't tell you if others think that way, but basically I'd say that your political positions and beliefs are going to matter a lot more than your level of education or anything like that. They certainly should matter more, anyway.

What do you believe in, policy wise? And do you reckon the people who live in your constituency would share your views on many issues?

Jawgap

jbloggs1245 wrote: »

Hi all

Im a 18 year old student in 6th year who is very keen on Irish politics and possibly perusing a career in it.

Was currently wondering how smart one must be to make it to Dail Eireann? Lets just say as a FF or FG member

Wouldn't be too much of an academic myself do OL Maths and Irish. But undertaking English Business Economics Geo Accounting French all higher im looking at a points total of 430 + LCVP

Is this too average?

Also can anyone recommend a the best courses related to this career?

Go to college and get involved in student politics and join a party that suits your outlook.

There's no right or perfect course......but something like economics, political science or "Philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Sociology" at Trinity would be useful.

Look at the profiles of local politicians.
The biggest background of TDs has historically been teachers for what it's worth.

man98

While I would question people who would like to shape themselves up solely for a political career, I would suggest that you do a course which relates to your biggest interests. Doing a course in politics isn't for people who want to become politicians, but for people who want to understand politics. The beauty of politics is that it's by in large populated by people from all walks of life - the teacher, the factory worker, the counsellor, lawyer - the idea being that a public representative is not a profession, and it carries with it little job security.

A lot of politically active people that I know do or did Arts and specialise in politics and whatever their other main interests are - but do whatever else it is you're passionate about.

James Brown

Find your idea of how things should be and join a party, if you can find one, close to your ideals. Don't sell yourself short or compromise due to party loyalty. Maybe that party isn't for you. If you think things are dandy and want a career, fair enough, but we need people with a genuine calling for fair public representation. How you think that should be delivered, if at all, will colour your choice.
Most major parties will have a local branch. If/when you sign up to a party they will do the introductions. Or if in third level you might pop in to an on campus meeting to see if they tickle your fancy.

There are no qualifications required, nothing academic anyway.

Red_Wake

If you fail Maths and/or Business you could consider joining PBP/SF.

Edward M

Local profile is probably your best shot.
You would be better to be involved in some local organisation, GAA for example, or as another poster pointed out, teaching.
Usually politicians at national level start out by achieving something locally first.
That's not to say that you absolutely have to, but as a voting base people like to vote for someone who has achieved something locally.
You can of course join a party, none of them will look for any qualifications for membership, build yourself up that way too.

James Brown

Red_Wake wrote: »

If you fail Maths and/or Business you could consider joining PBP/SF.

If you really really don't like paying tax or your friends paying tax, join FG

We'd a local person who was involved in lots of local groups. She eventually ran for FG and then flip flopped on all her promises, so you can always do what ever after you get in.

johnnyskeleton

Red_Wake wrote: »

If you fail Maths and/or Business you could consider joining PBP/SF.

Matt Barrett wrote: »

If you really really don't like paying tax or your friends paying tax, join FG

We'd a local person who was involved in lots of local groups. She eventually ran for FG and then flip flopped on all her promises, so you can always do what ever after you get in.

Mod note:

Helpful, non-satirical comments only please.

Thomas__.

jbloggs1245 wrote: »

Hi all

Im a 18 year old student in 6th year who is very keen on Irish politics and possibly perusing a career in it.

Was currently wondering how smart one must be to make it to Dail Eireann? Lets just say as a FF or FG member

Wouldn't be too much of an academic myself do OL Maths and Irish. But undertaking English Business Economics Geo Accounting French all higher im looking at a points total of 430 + LCVP

Is this too average?

Also can anyone recommend a the best courses related to this career?

The best 'course' is to join a party and make practical experiences oneself. You don't seem to have made some yet cos otherwise you wouldn't put such a question on this forum for discussions. Professional background can be of use for such a career, but more important is to meet and know the right people who have the capability and the inclination to forward ones political career.

4ensic15

Join a political party. Become a teacher. After that become an officer of a Cumann. You will have plenty of free time to do it, so it is easy to become one. After a period get a nomination for a local council. name recognition will be a help because you will be known by parents in the area. Get elected to the local council and when the opportunity comes get a Dail nomination.

Peregrinus

You might to better to post this in the DCU forum.

Morte

Most people interested and "working" in politics like you would like to do aren't actually working as politicians. They would be employees of the party HQ, journalists, academics, etc. It's incredibly difficult to get into the Dail. You're relying on being in the right place at the right time to be elected. If a party already has a TD of your gender from your local area they'll pick someone of the opposite side of the county of the opposite gender to be the other running mate. And you're always vulnerable to your party doing badly across the country and losing your seat even if you do a good job yourself.

Plus being a TD means spending 14 hours a day trying to get pot holes fixed. Well close enough. Very few people have the stomach for that.

So pick something you're interested in for the CAO, join whichever party appeals to you and have a backup plan.

I wouldn't worry about the intelligence, you'll be fine. Anything beyond mid 400 points is just a bonus really. Once a person meets the minimum requirements you start looking at stuff like leadership, teamwork, decision making. Being super smart like McDowell, Mansergh or Shatter is obviously helpful but it's hardly every TD who is like that. Richard Bruton is much smarter than Enda Kenny but Kenny ran rings around him when Bruton tried to challenge him for the leadership.

Best of luck with your studies and with wherever your life takes you afterwards.