Fine Gael TD for Cork South West PJ Sheehan said, “somebody has to come out on top of the list†after emerging as the TD claiming the largest amount of expenses. JOE.ie hears about what it’s like to work 366 days in some years as a politician.
Larger-than-life figure PJ is never shy of making his voice heard in the public domain. PJ recently described the Government’s use of €25 million of taxpayer’s money as a “slush fund” that former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern set up to “keep everyone happy”.
Here are the answers PJ gave us in a quick questionnaire.
Do you use a Mac or PC?
Yes. A PC. All the modern technology.
What mobile phone do you own?
Yes I have one, a Nokia.
What type of car do you drive?
I drive a Mercedes E220.
Who are better drivers? Men or women?
Oh that’s 50/50. Women are every bit as good as men. My wife Frances drives me half the way to Dublin every week, 250 miles. I drive the other half.
Any sporting glories you like to brag about?
I’m an ardent follower of GAA, both hurling and football. My son Dermot, who is a councillor, is very prominent in the GAA also.
What would be your dream sports trip?
Well unfortunately in politics you don’t have time to do that. It’s a full-time job, 365 days of the year and 366 days in a leap year.
Who is the most famous contact in your phone (other politicians don’t count)?
I’m 50 years in politics and I have got acquainted with many very interesting people and politicians.
What’s the most politically incorrect thing about you?
Well it’s hard for a politician to detect his own inefficiencies. My advice to anyone entering into politics would be there is no alternative to hard work in any walk of life.
Finish the sentence: People are uninspired by politicians because….
I would say that people are not uninspired by hard-working politicians. But they could be uninspired by politicians who do not give their full-time, benefit and assistance to their constituents.
