Seanad debates

Thursday, 7 May 2009

10:30 am

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)

Senator Twomey has made some fair points. I thought he was going off on a tangent at the beginning, which I did not like. However, I certainly think it is a point worth making - that we in political life accept those coming into it. It must be a good thing if people at the top of their careers choose to serve as public representatives, and that should be welcomed. It is important to note, however, that there was an implication coming from the most recent reproach to that band of people that in some way this was a unique move. There are people in this House and the other House who opted to enter public life when they were at the top of their careers. They include solicitors, barristers, accountants and business people, all of whom could be earning more money outside public life. It is important not to get carried away with the view that because one person is coming into public life at the moment it is something unique, because it is not.

Thankfully, there are many people who bring with them to these Houses what they have learned outside. Whether they come from the media, the public sector or elsewhere they should be welcomed. It is a most discouraging and demoralising aspect of our work that when those about to leave second or third-level education are asked about their future careers, the number who choose public representation is negligible. It does not even get on the radar. I have been criticised for saying in the House before that it is because we do not do our business properly. It goes back to things like Seanad reform, which is part of it. Good things need to be pointed up and others need to be reformed.

It is important that we would welcome people into public life. A week ago, the newspapers were full of comments about people having their jobs kept open for them when they were in public life. The recent recruit from RTE made it quite clear that his job was being protected, as it should be. In a democracy, every public or private workplace should rejoice and support any member of their workforce who opts for public representation. That is the responsibility on all of us, in the public and private sectors, and in all parties and none. The points made by Senator Twomey are correct. People have moved into public life before from various backgrounds. We accept them and recognise their good offices. People do a job and get on with it. We need to make an opening for people to opt for and make a career in public representation. I would certainly like a debate on that issue.

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