Should we limit the number of TDs to 160

That is nonsense.

The TDs were once allowed the dual mandate - TD plus county councillor. That was abolished a long time ago.

However there are too many snouts in the trough. They should not allow the failed TDs to stand for the Senate in the next election following their failure to make the Dail. Likewise Senators should not be allowed to stand for the Dail. This practice has turned the Senate into a retirement home for failed TDs and wannabe TDs.

When the number of TDs is reduced, then the choice of elected candidates for high office is reduced, and given the current workload for Ministers because of our increased involvement with EU, UN, and NI/UK, there needs to be talent in those Ministerial positions. Look at the current UK Cabinet, where only the most loyal (to the PM) need apply - all that get the gig are talentless numpties who are little more than nodding dogs because there are few otherwise that could be loyal to such an individual.

We have a ministerial system where 15 ministers form the cabinet as allowed in the constitution, and we have now allowed (who did?) another 15 or so Junior Ministers to take up executive positions. So we have 30 or so ministers and these come from the Gov party/parties leaving the balance of Gov TDs as backbenchers. If one assumes that at least 50% of Gov TDs are backbenchers (required to fill committee positions), then that would imply a minimum of 60 Gov TDs, or a Dail of 120 or more. So 160 would look like an adequate number to cover all requirements in our system.

The constitution uses a linear relationship between population and representation which is based on faulty logic because the larger the population, the less per capita representation is required, as any examination of democratic countries parliament worldwide would expose.

What we need, more than extra TDs, is a more representative local government with effective powers, such as would result from a regional local Gov structure of say 5 or 6 regions - all with devolved responsibilities. Our system of government is far too centralised, with TDs becoming, in some circumstances, just messengers interfacing with Gov departments. [This is happening currently with respect to passports and the huge delays happening with first-time applications].

Well, there is that - corruption would be an issue.

Of course such a change would require strong anti-corruption measures, but the regional local government would be such that the likes of Kerry CC would be counterbalanced by Cork or Limerick who would be unlikely to back such matters. Zoning is matter that lends itself to corruption, and that is best managed by a betterment tax that makes the rezoning of no value to the land owner.

Crooks can become politicians and politicians can become crooks.