Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

It is fair to point out that many politicians on both sides of the House have specific briefs that require a considerable amount of work and research. Politics can demand dedication from people other than politicians - it is also required from the family members of Deputies, for example. Politicians are often away from home for days or weeks on end. I accept that the hours are long for Dublin Deputies, but it is fair to recognise that when the House is sitting, rural Deputies are away from home for the best part of the week.

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