There is life after politics: just four of the 45 TDs who lost their seats at the election in February now describe themselves as unemployed. Many have returned to their previous occupations, while others have started new careers.
Among the former deputies now gainfully employed is Trevor Sargent, the former Green party minister for horticulture, who spends part of his week tending to fruit and vegetables at the Sonairte Ecology Centre in Co Meath. He spends the remainder of his week selling fruit, vegetables and home-made produce at farmers’ markets.
“You could say I’ve retired from politics but pursuing my passion for growing fresh food,” said the former Green party leader, who is also writing a book.
At least two former TDs have returned to the land. Bobby Aylward, a former Fianna Fail deputy for Carlow/Kilkenny, is farming a suckler and beef herd of cattle. Tom McEllistrim, a Fianna Fail TD who lost his Kerry North seat, is also farming. While Martin Mansergh, formerly of Tipperary South, is also working on the family farm, he takes time out to attend political functions.
Others who failed to retain their seats at the general election have returned to careers in law and teaching. Barry Andrews, a former Fianna Fail TD in Dun Laoghaire, and Michael Mulcahy, his erstwhile colleague in Dublin South Central, have returned to the Law Library.
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Joe Behan, a former independent TD for Wicklow, has resumed his teaching position as has Margaret Conlon of Cavan/Monaghan, who will return to the classroom in September.
Ciarán Cuffe, a former Green TD for Dun Laoghaire, is now lecturing in planning at the Dublin Institute of Technology at Bolton Street, Dublin.
A number of the former TDs say they are searching for new business opportunities, but have chosen not to seek work for the summer so they can spend time with their families. Seán Connick, a former Fianna Fail TD for Wexford, and John Curran, a former junior minister from Dublin, are among those looking for business opportunities.
Four former Fianna Fail TDs describe themselves as unemployed. They are Michael Ahern from Cork, Aine Brady from Kildare, Charlie O’Connor from Dublin and John O’Donoghue, the former ceann comhairle. All remain in local politics.
Several former TDs have returned to their family businesses. Peter Kelly, a former Fianna Fail TD for Longford/Westmeath, is semi-retired but helps in the family’s undertaking business. Michael Kennedy, a former deputy in Dublin North, works at his family-run insurance brokerage. Eamon Scanlon from Sligo/North Leitrim has returned to auctioneering.
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Mary O’Rourke, a former deputy leader of Fianna Fail, is writing her memoirs.
Five former TDs were elected to the Seanad. Others say they have committed themselves to working in the voluntary sector, including Pat Carey, the former Fianna Fail chief whip.
John Moloney, the former Fianna Fail minister with responsibility for mental health, describes himself as busier than ever, being involved in several projects related to his former ministry. Conor Lenihan, another former junior minister, has started a business consultancy in Dublin.
Mary White, the former deputy leader of the Green party, is offering guided tours of the Blackstairs mountains. Paul Gogarty, her former Green colleague, is trying to develop a career in the media.
Mary Coughlan, the former minister from Donegal, is working with Feirm Factor, a TV reality show.
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Eamon Ryan, the former Green minister for natural resources, is the only former TD engaged in full-time political work, having been elected leader of his party.
Frank Fahey, a former Fianna Fail minister from Galway, and John Gormley, the former Green leader who lost his seat in Dublin South East, refused to disclose their current occupations. Cyprian Brady, a Fianna Fail TD for Dublin Central, also declined to disclose his current occupation.
Michael Fitzpatrick, a former Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North, was the only one to describe himself as retired.
Noel Dempsey, the former Fianna Fail transport minister, is working as a communications consultant. Dermot Ahern, his former cabinet colleague, is lecturing to lawyers. Bertie Ahern, the former taoiseach, hires himself out for speeches and sits on the boards of several companies.
Mary Harney, the former health minister, recently joined the board of the Irish Hospice Foundation.