"The 24/7 grind of a politician is not for the faint-hearted as the likes of Simon Coveney and Catherine Martin will tell you. Former TDs who stood down or lost their Dáil seat at the last general election say why they haven't looked back."
"Many politicians have spent years trying to achieve their ultimate aim of a seat in the Dáil. But at the last general election in November 2024, over 50 TDs either quit politics or were rejected by the electorate and lost their seats."
"Some have taken time out to decompress. They have pursued neglected interests and pastimes. Others have become lobbyists for business interests and advocates for certain causes or, in the case of former taoiseach Leo Varadkar, they have published their memoir."
Following the November 2024 general election, more than 50 Irish TDs either voluntarily stepped down or lost their Dáil seats. The transition from the intense 24/7 demands of political life—characterized by constant phone calls, social media scrutiny, and relentless pressure—presents significant adjustment challenges. Former politicians have adopted varied approaches to their post-political lives. Some prioritize decompression and recovery, reconnecting with neglected hobbies and personal interests. Others have leveraged their political experience by becoming lobbyists for business interests or advocates for specific causes. Notable examples include former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who published a memoir. These diverse paths reflect how former TDs navigate life after leaving the demanding political arena.
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