I didn't say that that was the only problem with Irish 'democracy'. It would, however, be a step in the right direction. People in government, at least for the right reasons.
Why should my TD's in Dublin North get paid travel expenses to go into the Dail? The State offers a very good subsidised travel plan through the tax saver scheme. Join me on the train at 6.30 in the morning. Use that or drive into work like everyone else.
There are two major problems with Irish 'democracy'. The first is that it costs bucket loads of money to run for election. This means that politics is the preserve of the independently wealthy.
The second problem is that such huge wages, pensions, perks, unvouched expenses etc, will, and does, attract the wrong calibre of candidate. Politics should be about the good of the country, not the enrichment of politicians and their cronies.
Your first point is not true. It costs €500 to run for election, assuming you are not a member of a party. Everything else is up to you. Many of those currently working their asses off to run campaigns are far from 'independently wealthy'. They have been fundraising for the past few years, and are tapping into their network for manpower and support. Sure, it is easy for somebody like Shane Ross to buy 6,000 posters and pay somebody to put them up for him. But to be honest, his media coverage is doing more for his campaign than his extensive funds.
Your second point contradicts your first. If the rewards are not there, TD posts will be the preserve of the wealthy, as only the wealthy will choose public service over other careers that offer greater rewards.
Your first point is not true. It costs €500 to run for election, assuming you are not a member of a party. Everything else is up to you. Many of those currently working their asses off to run campaigns are far from 'independently wealthy'. They have been fundraising for the past few years, and are tapping into their network for manpower and support. Sure, it is easy for somebody like Shane Ross to buy 6,000 posters and pay somebody to put them up for him. But to be honest, his media coverage is doing more for his campaign than his extensive funds.
Is the €500 to cost of the deposit?
I'll modify what I said. It costs bucket loads of money to run for election and have a reasonable chance of actually being elected
Your second point contradicts your first. If the rewards are not there, TD posts will be the preserve of the wealthy, as only the wealthy will choose public service over other careers that offer greater rewards.
I can't see how it does.
Many people choose careers and vocations on criteria other than money. I can't imagine priests, for example, are hugely well paid.
I, myself, could be on much more money, but I'd have to live in Dublin and do 9 to 5 and all that malarkey.