If anything proves the necessity for term limits on the political careers of Teachtaí Dála, Enda Kenny’s unbroken forty-two year presence within the environs of Leinster House must be it. From his election in 1975 as a glorified substitute for his late father Henry, a long-standing Fine Gael TD in the constituency of Mayo West, until the present day, the former primary school teacher has spent almost his entire adult life in politics. Admittedly in that time he has progressed from being a nondescript twenty-four year old backbencher to the leader of his party and holder of successive government offices, including two terms as Taoiseach. However that history has left him with scant knowledge of daily life outside of Dail Éireann, as he proved with alarming regularity during interactions with the press and general public.
Given that each Dáil is limited to a five year term by the Electoral Act of 1992, there is a strong argument to be made for a restriction on the number of times a person can stand for election to the legislature. A total of five Dáileanna, successive or otherwise, would be an eminently fair rule. This would allow an individual to spend some twenty-five years as a TD, in one stretch if repeatedly reelected or potentially over several electoral cycles if less successful at the ballot box. Certainly two and a half decades would be more than ample time to pursue whatever objectives they had in mind or to build up enough institutional knowledge and experience to be of public service to others (not to mention being financially rewarding as a “job” in its own right, a not inconsequential thing). Variations of the above rule could be suggested by others.
However, the day of a life-long, generational career in national elected politics should be a thing of the past.
AN SIONNACH FIONN 
Twenty-five years is awfully generous. After even 5 years, one is less and less likely to represent the interests or perspectives of the people outside of the parliamentary club.
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Yes, but you have to take into consideration the need to build up knowledge and experience. And the value of establishing institutional memory within certain individuals and groups of individuals. Also, people foregoing other careers need an opportunity to earn money from their political one, simply in terms of pay and pension from being in public office.
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Sure, I agree with all that. On the other hand, while professional politicians are desirable and necessary, there has to be some cut-off point. Otherwise we simply have an Oireachtas filled with careerists and seat-warmers. Five terms of five years each, if not sequential, gives plenty of wriggle room.
If not a limited number of terms then a mandatory retirement age?
Or a restricted electoral age, as with the presidency. Age 30 and over before you can become a TD?
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It’s a difficult one and the instinct is to say no, that restrictions are an undemocratic solution. However… How else do you ensure a turnover of political representatives? Yes, voters can simply chose to vote politicians out but people vote as much for party as for candidate. If the party restricts the candidates you can vote for? And the incumbent always gets priority.
I strongly favour mandatory 50/50 male/female splits for party candidates. That, in a sense, is undemocratic. Yet, paradoxically, its also a democratic corrective.
If not term limits, then mandatory retirements? Age sixty-five?
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Leave it to 66 then at least they’ll have the free travel….;-)
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Tá an nós sin i ngach tír sílim – féach ar Seanóirí i gComhdháil SAM nó teach na Tiarnaí i Westminster.
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