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Myra Mains's avatar

I always thought that one way to "stiffen politicians' spines" is if those politicians who lose at the next election continue to get paid until the following election. If they fail to get reelected, then their salary stops. That would help incentivise the new TDs to do a good job, and also allow the booted out TDs another Dail term to lick their wounds, and spend a long time finding out what they could do to get voted back in.

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

An interesting suggestion. But, again, if would require bravery in the face of a cynical electorate. 'Feathering their own nests' would be the cry!

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Conor o flynn's avatar

No surprise there really. What’s the old saying number 1 priority for politicians get elected . Number 2 priority is get re-elected and at a poor number 3 is far behind the first 2 whatever that is.

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Jim Power & Chris Johns's avatar

Indeed. But the deeper question beyond the cliche: why do we keep complaining when politicians give the people what they want to vote for?

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Conor o flynn's avatar

Because politicians promise the impossible. As an economist ye know there are only finite resources and humans have unlimited needs and wants and this cannot be met. All I hear in budgets and Irish media in general is how much free stuff are we getting because we deserve it.

Once elected politicians can’t meet these needs and when they try ie housing/ health they only make it worse.

Does that answer your question?

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