But it is in fact a practical one, as a group of Independent Senators have pointed out in a motion this week. Others argue that an excessive number of TDs contributes to clientelism and hyper-localism. Applying the UK’s ratio to Ireland would leave the Dáil with a mere 50 TDs, which is clearly inadequate, though it might appeal to the country’s 60 Senators. But maintaining the current number of seats, with some provision for future revision, might assuage nervousness on the benches. But the Senators are correct that the problem will soon become unavoidable, unless TDs wish to find their comfortable berths replaced by something more akin to a low-cost airline.

Source: The Irish Times March 25, 2026 22:48 UTC