166 who rule - the dail deputies of november 1982

Abstract

Abstract: Analysis of the backgrounds of the Dail deputies elected in November 1982 shows certain strong similarities with previous Dala. Most deputies were born in their constituencies, and most were local authority members before entering the Dail. A high proportion are small businessmen. But change is also detectable: the number of professionals is growing larger, while farmers are a declining force. The educational level attained by deputies has been rising steadily, while the proportion of women in the Dail, though still low, is higher than ever before. Cohort analysis permits speculation about trends likely to develop in the future.