WHILE our politicians are enjoying the summer recess and are hopefully holidaying at home, the rumblings over their dress code in the Oireachtas will not go away.

I’m baffled as to why there should be any discussion over the issue. I would expect TDs and Senators to dress appropriately and respect the dignity of the House.

Those who don casual gear are giving two fingers to the long-established practice of dressing in a proper manner for the position they hold.

We expect our politicians to lead by example and not go into the chamber dressed for a day at the beach.

Many establishments maintain a strict dress code and will not allow patrons to wear casual gear, so why cannot a similar rule apply to the Dáil.

Those who refuse to conform should be expelled from the chamber until they change their dress code for ‘professional business attire’.

The handful of rebel deputies who insist on the casual look are setting a bad example to youngsters and their respect for authority.

Their so-called sartorial elegance leaves a lot to be desired. These under-dressers should be setting an example for their constituents and not bucking the system.

Most employers require a certain level of dress code. It is refreshing when transition year students seek work experience at The Connaught Telegraph that the second question they ask is - what is the dress code – the first, or course, is what time do I have to start and finish.

A dress code plan to compel TDs to wear a ‘tailored jacket and a collared shirt’ in the Dáil was shelved before the recess.

The Committee on Procedure and Privileges had agreed that male TDs could be forcibly removed from the chamber if they turned up in casual attire. And the code had received the public backing of high profile ministers including Lucinda Creighton, who said it was not appropriate to dress in a casual manner when dealing with issues of a national importance.

Surely, out of respect, Independent TD Mick Wallace should be forced to wear a tie with his pink shirt.

Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan can now surely afford a suit and Gerry Adams should put a jacket on over his shirt-sleeves.

The  dress code sideshow was proving a distraction for the real business of the House and hopefully, when Deputies return in the autumn they will be suitably suited for the office they hold.

They have a responsibility to set good example and they should carry that  with pride as they represent the electorate in the upper and lower house.