TD's.

Some are doing it to secure their retirment,some are doing it for their ego,some are doing it for money,some are doing it becaust their grand parents and fathers have done it and a few of them are doing it for the people and for a fair distrubition of the wealth of our country.

I suspect they do it for the same wide variety of reasons anybody does any job or gets involved in any organisation. There's no way you could generalise about it.

While that’s all true, the point of my post was simply to answer the question as to whether I ever wondered what motivates TDs. The reason I don’t wonder is because the explanation I provided is as good a reason for their motivations as anything else.

It’s an extraordinary salary for a role which requires no qualifications, that literally anyone who is of a mind to do so can put themselves forward for, and their election prospects are based upon their popularity amongst their constituents.

It wouldn't be prudent to expect a 40 year career, only Willie O'Dea and Richard Bruton have currently achieved that. And there have only been around 1,300 people who got the job since the foundation of the state, so it is not a career path that would be recommended by careers advisers. Competition is fierce, despite the dismal career prospects.

The best approach would be to stand for County Councillor, which can be a path to Leinster House for some. There are often less than 2 candidates per seat in those local elections.

Paul Gogarty, albeit I can't find the reference now.

Most others would find some other form of employment quickly, but those known to be odd/hotheaded/etc would not. There is an equivalent to redundancy money that gives you time to find something.

I don’t have any issue with TD’s being qualified or unqualified, there isn’t any qualifications necessary, the whole point was that it’s an extraordinary salary for a role that doesn’t require any qualifications.

Choosing not to vote wouldn’t change that, it would only make it less likely that a TD who reflects my views and opinions and the ideas I support would be likely to be elected is all, seeing as I have no motivation to enter politics myself.

It is only 160 jobs so the salary is not costing the country much. If the whole thing was done away with, it would probably only save one days worth of Social Welfare payments in a year.

What does it matter how many jobs there are? The point is, for the role itself, the salary is extraordinary. I’m not arguing the whole thing should be done away with, or that it should be compared to whatever is spent on social welfare. The whole point of the thread is what motivates TDs, and if the salary weren’t there and only their expenses were covered, it would simply mean that salary couldn’t be considered a motivating factor.

But why are you comparing them? The role of a TD and how anyone qualifies for the role isn’t in any way comparable to the top roles in the private sector. What employers are paying in the private sector is irrelevant as far as what TDs are paid. Completely different roles, only comparable on the basis that TDs responsibility towards the nation is similar to a company’s board members responsibility towards its shareholders.

When you say the salary is extraordinary, what do you mean?

It's not a high salary, for a 24/7/365 job, with no job security, and every move you make is watched, and you are open to abuse on a daily basis.

Do you mean it's too high, or too low?

It's a job I would never do.

Constantly on the defensive, constantly being watched and criticised for every move. Can hardly sit and have a quiet pint without people at least staring at you.

People expecting you to fix issues immediately that are beyond f*cked at this stage.

I mean it’s an extraordinary salary on the basis that the role requires no qualifications whatsoever, hence the reason why I don’t question their motivations when qualifications are no barrier to entry. I genuinely can’t think of any other employment roles which have such a low barrier to entry for such financial reward.

I don’t particularly care for what TDs are paid, because I would suggest that in performing a public service they should have their expenses covered and the role should be voluntary. I don’t imagine there would be a majority of TDs in favour of such a motion so whether or not their salaries can be justified is a moot point.

FWIW I don’t think anyone performing a public service should have to tolerate abuse and harassment, or be expected to work 24/7 /365 or that they aren’t entitled to their privacy, entirely separate from their role in public office.

Democracy is priceless.

I'd say the genuine TD's are in the minority if you consider the many scandals over the years - and they are the ones that were caught 😮

My thoughts would be a combination of the following:

1. The huge salary and pension
2. Build up a network of powerful connections
3. Continuation of a political dynasty
4. Use their position to get jobs for family members as "Parliamentary Assistants", etc
5. The chance to "make a difference"

A few people on here have their heads in the clouds thinking TD's are saints, they are not underpaid and overworked like nurses. Their are some good ones but most are doing a terrible job.

The salary isn't huge, although the pension is good.

They earn less than a Dublin-based accountant.

However, they can make more on the travel expenses.

The lecturer also doesn't need to plead for their job every 5 years (or less) with the possibility of completely losing it at ~4 weeks notice at any time

I disagree. By the literal definition, that’s rich.

Corruption is a choice. Decent people are not corrupt, the majority of politicians are not corrupt. Those that were it was because there was no deterrent and they were scumbags.

look at Michael Lowry. Corrupt and absolutely rolling in cash.

If you took the salary and broke it down into hours worked per year Id say the hourly rate would be pretty average if not on the smaller side.

And there is no overtime, no premium for late hours or Sunday work.

You can go on holidays but when you come back the in tray will be full with a backlog.

Our local FG TD is not running in the next election.

He's 42 and has been a TD since 2011.

He has a young family and has decided that being there for them is more important.