Sir, – Gill McCarthy's letter (July 5th) on the workload of TDs has brought to mind the ending of the dual mandate in 2003.
Prof Michael Lavery, in his evidence on behalf of the State during Michael Ring’s challenge to the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003, which allowed for the abolition of the dual mandate, stated that “the most important argument is that it is designed to enhance the separation of local and national government systems to the clear benefit of both”.
An interesting examination of localism in Irish politics published by the Oireachtas Library and Research Service in 2013 drew on, among other things, surveys of Irish TDs undertaken in 2009 and 2010 in relation to their workloads.
More than two-thirds of Irish TDs surveyed in 2009 believed that the level of constituency work compromised the legislative duties which we elect them to undertake.
The study places this finding in the context of inherent weaknesses in the provision of local government and services. Until proper reform of local government and its remit in the provision of services, TDs are likely to continue to be expected to bridge the gap.
That this is so does not make for satisfactory local governance or a properly functioning legislature.
Until such time as we recognise and value – indeed, choose – society and community over a dispiriting and enervating free-for-all masquerading as dynamism and creativity, this disservice to all of us, to our local politicians and to our TDs, will be perpetuated. – Yours, etc,
KATHERINE LUMSDEN,
Arbour Hill,
Dublin 7.