Lorraine Courtney: Infusion of youth is welcome in Dáil, but it would be error to sideline experience

Parliament is losing a wealth of experience and know-how – I hope it’s not a signal that we have lost respect for the value of older people’s insights

Simon Harris is the youngest leader to ever hold the office of Taoiseach at the age of 37. His predecessor Leo Varadkar previously held that particular record. Photo: Getty

Lorraine Courtney

Welcome to Dáil Eireann, where we’ve decided to re-enact Logan’s Run and no one over a certain age is safe. If you haven’t noticed, there’s a worrying number of older TDs heading for the door, leaving a trail of political wisdom in their wake.

In the latest round of political musical chairs, we’re saying goodbye to Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall. These women have nearly 50 years of Dáil experience between them – a staggering figure that highlights the loss of experience, institutional knowledge, and political instincts. Their absence will be sorely felt by the younger members of the Social Democrats.