Irish Politicians Recharge: From Kilkenny Breaks to Scottish Highlands Adventures
DUBLIN – As the political term resumes,irish politicians are returning from summer breaks filled with family time,cultural pursuits,and much-needed rest. the Irish Times reports on how members of the Dáil and Seanad spent their time away from Leinster House, revealing a mix of constituency work, personal relaxation, and a commitment to disconnecting from the demands of public office.
The summer recess provides a crucial possibility for politicians to recharge before tackling the challenges of the upcoming term. For Fine Gael Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, the focus was on reconnecting with her Dublin South Central constituents, a region where Fine Gael currently holds no local council or Dáil seats.”coming to the end of the last Dáil and Seanad term, I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with the job of work I have to do,” she explained, adding, “I’m still quite invigorated going back into the next term.” Ní Chuilinn also enjoyed some weekend trips to kilkenny, alongside fulfilling domestic duties, stating she was happy to act as “a taxi mammy” for her three children and walk their dog. she also found time for cultural consumption, listening to The Irish Times politics podcast, specifically episodes about Brian Cowen, and the Red Raw podcast with Laura O’Mahony and Rob Heffernan, and also reading books including Gavan reilly’s and Eoghan Murphy’s political memoirs, and rereading The Thursday Murder Club.
Social Democrats Meath county councillor Ronan Moore, who also works as a teacher, opted for a family road trip to Scotland with his wife and three children, aged five, seven, and nine.The family visited Edinburgh and camped in the Scottish Highlands, in the town of Airedale, engaging in numerous outdoor activities. Moore emphasized the importance of completely disconnecting during holiday time, stating, “I find that working in a job where you are often trying to help others can take a lot out of you… So you really need to completely log off when you are on holiday to recharge the batteries. The work phone stays at home.”
Local authorities have also resumed their regular schedules, following a typical pause for meetings during the month of August. The accounts highlight the diverse ways Irish politicians balance the demands of public service with the need for personal rejuvenation during the summer break.