Breeding matters in a dog — not a politician

MOST Irish voters fail to realise they are choosing from the chosen at elections.

Candidates are either chosen by the local branches of various parties or by party headquarters. This makes it easy for political dynasties to become established and powerful thereby preventing new blood entering the political mainstream.

While breeding is important when it comes to buying a dog or a horse, it is not good in politics. It is not a healthy sign when so many Oireachtas members of the two main parties had or have brothers, sisters, fathers and grandfathers in either House.