REPORTS TODAY reveal that former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will retire on a package worth €150,000 – in addition to a lump sum related to length of service of €160,000.

The €150,000 includes a ministerial pension of €98,000, and a TDs pension of over €50,000.

Yet in 2010, he was the Dáil’s worst performer, failing to speak even once during a debate.

His legacy as Taoiseach has left observers divided too – despite his insistence in his retirement speech that he is “proud of what I have achieved in politics”.

So today we’re asking: should retiring TDs’ and ministers’ packages be performance-indexed? Let us know what you think.

Poll Results:

Yes (408)

No (58)

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Poll: Should retiring TDs' pensions be performance-indexed?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.