Politicians too numerous, ineffective

Virtually every farmer in the country feels there are too many politicians in Ireland and that they are overpaid and ineffective in their job as legislators.

Farmers, the survey found, have an extremely negative view of politicians. This is despite the election of the traditional farmers’ party, Fine Gael, into power in 2011.

A total of 97% of all farmers surveyed said they either agreed or strongly agreed that we have too many politicians and that they are overpaid and ineffective. About 88% strongly agreed, with just 2% saying they slightly disagreed with this view — and not a single farmer strongly disagreed in any of the eight farming regions surveyed.

The view across the regions was universal with well over 90% of those surveyed agreeing with the statement. Every farmer in Athenry, Co Galway, surveyed said there were too many politicians and that they were overpaid.

This negative view of politicians, their salaries, and the job they are doing was equally shared between men and women. It was most strongly felt by farmers under 35 where 99% either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that there were too many politicians and they were overpaid and in ineffective. However, all age groups showed in over 90% support for the statement.