Politicians’ private lives should not be a tabloid teaser like a free CD

THERE is a story which is often told in political circles about a TD who was preparing to sit down with his family for dinner on Christmas day when a constituent knocked on his front door.

Although apologetic the constituent was insistent that he wanted to speak to his local TD about a private matter. The deputy ushered him to the front parlour and sat somewhat impatiently as the constituent spoke about how he wanted to apply for some medical assistance scheme and wanted the deputy’s help with filling in the form.

The deputy obliged by talking the constituent through the details of the scheme and assisting him through the technicalities of the application form. “Now,” said the deputy, “all you need is your doctor’s signature.”