The ‘Great Resignation’ has reached Irish politics. Paschal Donohoe is the latest big name to walk away from Leinster House — departing immediately for the World Bank in Washington and joining a fast-growing list of high-profile exits that already includes Simon Coveney, Leo Varadkar and dozens of TDs and Senators from the last election. 

On today’s podcast, Tara Duggan asks why so many mid-career politicians are stepping back, not at retirement age, but at the height of their influence. Is it burnout? Toxicity? Online abuse? A changing culture in public life? Or the simple truth that the private sector now offers better pay, better hours and a saner existence? 

Political correspondent Claire Scott of The Sunday Times digs into the trend and what it means for the next generation of leadership. Former Minister Ciarán Cannon reflects on life after politics, the pressures that drove colleagues to leave, and whether Ireland undervalues its politicians until other countries snap them up. 

We also hear a voice note from former Fianna Fáil TD and Senator Lisa Chambers, once tipped for Cabinet, who left politics at just 38 and explains the moment she realised life outside Leinster House might be healthier — and happier. 

From the politics of burnout to the politics of opportunity, this conversation explores a system struggling to retain talent — and asks whether the exodus is a warning sign for Irish politics. 

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