The role of a local TD: a balancing act of representation and governance

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As we enter the final days before the general election on Friday, it is an opportune time to consider the role TDs play, both in local and national politics.

As representatives in Dáil Éireann, TDs are tasked with shaping national policy, scrutinising government, and influencing legislation. Yet, their identity is deeply linked with their local constituency. At its core, the role of a TD is to act as a bridge between the government and the people they represent. This dual mandate – representing the people while legislating for the nation – requires a nuanced understanding of both local and national concerns. For example, a TD from a rural constituency must weigh the need for rural development, healthcare access, and farming subsidies against broader national policies such as climate change and urban development.

The role of a TD has evolved in an era of social media and 24/7 news cycles. TDs are now expected to maintain an active online presence, engage with constituents through digital platforms, and respond quickly to emerging issues. While that enhances transparency and accessibility, it has added a layer of complexity to an already busy job. While elected representatives have always faced criticism and public scrutiny, social media has normalised more aggressive forms of online abuse, and many TDs regularly experience insults, cyberbullying and trolling as a normal part of their daily online interactions.

In my view abuse of that type will shut down the diversity of voices in the Dáil as people will simply be unwilling to accept what has unfortunately become the norm. The importance of constituency work.

The importance of constituency work

I have been a TD for 14 years. My understanding of the job has naturally evolved over that time – however, at the core is my firm belief that your constituency work is the most important. Being a voice for local communities, supporting a person to access a service or helping to fundraise or advocate for a cause is critically important. If you do not have the support of your constituents, you cannot effectively represent them at a national level.

My office in Mullingar has been open since 2011 and my office in Athlone since 2016. During that time, my team and I have dealt with more than 23,000 queries on behalf of constituents. They range from someone looking for housing to a family member wanting help with a Carers Allowance application. People sometimes question the need for a constituency office service; however, I firmly believe in the work of my office. Informing people of their rights, helping them to access the services they need and fighting for them when they need support can make a real difference to someone when they face crisis or difficulty and simply need an advocate by their side.

Our national duties

TDs mustn’t lose sight of their duties as national politicians. You will see some TDs that are consistently returned to the Dáil but rarely speak, contribute or publish policies or legislation. On the other hand, you will see TDs that are vocal national contributors but never succeed in securing a second term. It is a difficult balancing act. Making sure you are present in the Dáil three days a week while balancing commitments in the constituency is hard.

Nationally, I try to focus on issues I am passionate about and that are important to Westmeath. For example, last term I focused on championing legislation to support SMEs, preparing policy documents on loneliness, fighting for better access to services for older people and driving public sector reform to enhance the delivery of services including housing and health. The experiences you gain at constituency level can influence reforms needed at national level. Ultimately, most TDs do their best to get this balance right – however, often national policy comes into direct conflict with local community opinions or needs and managing this is complicated.

An international issue with real local impact – immigration

Let us consider the conversation about immigration and the challenge it presents – I am referring to it as it is brought up at the door time and time again. As a national politician, I have to consider the issue in the context of national policy and Ireland’s international obligations. While we may feel we are taking in too many International Protection applicants, if you look at our EU partners such as Italy, Spain or Greece, you will see that we are dealing with only a fraction. This is a serious global challenge caused by multiple crises including climate extremes, conflicts and food insecurities.

That being said, it does not take away from the legitimate concerns of communities. So how do you deal with this matter fairly as a local representative? In my opinion, it is all about consultation and collective decision-making. We have to be balanced, fair and respectful to communities and the IP applicants. They are fleeing conflict, persecution, hunger and starvation, not of their making. Nobody chooses their country of birth. I often say to people, put yourself in their shoes: what would you do? Often males travel first, in what is often the most dangerous of circumstances, to seek asylum, to get processed, a place to live and to get work and then to apply for their families to join them. It is not an easy option for them, but they are motivated by their drive to survive and to provide protection for their families – as we all would be.

In this instance, I do believe government policy has failed. More than 18 months ago I stood up in the Dáil Chamber and called for the Dublin Convention to be enacted, for the processing of applicants to be rapidly expedited and for those who do not qualify for asylum to be returned to their country of origin.

People are angry about the situation, which is understandable given the lack of communication and consultation. For my part, I have continued to engage with communities who bring their concerns to me while trying to explain the rationale for existing policy. That being said, I am also trying to communicate with cabinet on the need to change our approach to this dramatically to ensure that we have a fair, efficient and transparent system that works for all.

To conclude

The role of a local TD in Ireland is a testament to the vibrancy of Irish democracy. Ultimately, the role of a TD is shaped, not just by the constitution or the political system, but by the expectations of the electorate. As someone who has a keen interest in other political systems and institutions and has seen the unjust and unfair systems that exist elsewhere, I feel truly honoured to be a TD and to play my small part in Irish democracy.