OPINION:Past behaviour is by far the most accurate indicator of future performance. So if we want change, it is time to put prospective TDs under the spotlight, writes DANIEL PHILBIN BOWMAN
IRELAND NEEDS more than just a change of government, we need to change the way we choose our government.
I am 22 years old and I am worried about the future of my country.
The Irish people are rightly angry with the failings of our Government in recent years and want to punish those they feel are most responsible.
However, that does not mean the main opposition parties or anyone else is automatically entitled to form the next government. The last thing this country need is a government elected by default.
It is time for all of us to say “no more” to all the gimmicks and promises; the blame and the buzzwords. We have to start holding candidates for office to account for their records. We need to start treating them like the prospective employees that they are. So how do we do it?
Consider it like this: the State has given you the responsibility to recruit your constituency’s highest calibre leaders to take on one of the most important and difficult jobs in our country. Between now and election day you have the chance to interview all of the prospective candidates and decide who you believe is the most qualified for the job. The frustrating thing is that they will all be using the usual broken tactics to confuse and convince you that they are the right people for the job. Politicians have gotten very good at spinning us into submission. But the country can no longer afford to be spun.
There is a solution to help us with our decision. Of all the information that is available to us, past behaviour is by far the most accurate indicator of future performance. Just look at any job interview process. Interviewers know that they must examine the candidates’ records to see if the facts support the claims and promises being made by them. It is time for the Irish people to start doing the same.
That is why, over recent weeks, I and several volunteers have worked alongside one of Ireland’s biggest recruitment agencies, Brightwater Recruitment, to develop a list of the type of information required from candidates to help the Irish people to assess and compare their experience, achievements and views.
We are requesting information relating to the following areas: education and formal training, work and professional experience, community and personal achievements. In addition we are also asking prospective candidates to answer the following questions in 200 words or less: “Why do you believe you are the most qualified candidate to be a TD and what is the most important function of a TD in Ireland today? What, in your opinion, is the single most important action we need to take to turn around our economy and what specific action will you take to contribute to that effort if elected?” Finally we are asking for their top five policy priorities in ascending order and the three words that best describe their political values.
Over the weekend we e-mailed every declared and publicly contactable candidate across every constituency explaining the purpose of our initiative and requesting that they submit the above information for publication. From today our telluswhy.ie website will begin publishing that information as we receive it.
It is hoped that over the coming weeks the website will be a significant support to the electorate in deciding who they want to work for them. I have confidence that despite the pressure they are under, our politicians will respond positively to an initiative which seeks to improve our country’s future prospects. However, they are busy and some may be tempted to delay or dodge our request. If they do, it is up to you to remind them that if they are seeking your vote, then you are entitled to know the facts that underpin their candidacy.
Willing volunteers are standing by at telluswhy.ie to upload all information received from candidates. If a candidate has not received our request we may not have been able to source your contact details; our apologies.
The letter can be viewed online and you can submit your responses at telluswhy.ie/submit. Information submitted by candidates will not be edited.
Daniel Philbin Bowman is a final year politics student in Trinity College Dublin