Part-time politics lets down voters

IS it any wonder voters hold politicians and politics in such low esteem given the lengthy holidays which TDs take after they reach the highly lucrative precincts of Dáil Eireann.

Tomorrow brings another classic example of the holiday camp syndrome at Leinster House as elected representatives move smartly to shut up shop after a two-day session which comes to an abrupt end following their brief return from the hustings and the celebration of St Patrick's Day.

Without as much as a twinge of embarrassment, they will decamp en masse for costa del Ireland where ministers will bask in their Mercs for the duration of the Easter holidays.