People like Flynn, Lowry, Ray Burke, GV Wright, Bertie and other such politicians are or were continuously elected by people who act like the peasentry underclass of days gone by. For whatever reason these members of the electorate don't have the insight to recognize or willingness to accept these people for the dishonest individuals they are and kick them out of public life. Do they look at these people as being superior? Are there questions of self-esteem and self-confidence where they don't believe that they can put themselves forward or elect better candidates. Why do sons and daughters of politicians get so readily accepted as candidates when there must be other equally and better qualified people? The party systems are to blame, but, nepotism is rife in all levels of Irish political life.
How do we attract better people into politics? Internships? Secondment from industry and other sectors of society? It had been shown with recent events that the many teachers, solicitors, farmers, vintners and children of former TD's do not have the skills for government or opposition to run a modern sphisticated national economy.
It was interesting to observe the recent election in the UK where 100+ MP's of the previous parliament were not reelected, many forced to opt out due to the expenses corruption. Our politicians just brazenly carry on regardless e.g. Lowry, unless forced out by direct legal action e.g. Burke or quietly given the push e.g. Bertie.