Politics & joining the army

Dioluin

This could have been asked at some stage before, but I was wondering does being involved with political parties make you ineligible to join with the Permanent Defence Forces?
Thanks.

Victor

You would have to quit active politics. I'm not sure if you would have to close your party membership. Traditionally, previous membership of Sinn Féin and some other minor parties would have been considered suspect if they tried to join, although I don't know how such membership is currently viewed.

The restrictions on the reserves are much more relaxed and their have been several councillors who were active members, compared to the PDF where you can't run for election (you would have to resign first, assuming you weren't restricted by your contract).

Dioluin

That's brilliant. Thanks for the info.

SIRREX

Dioluin wrote: »

That's brilliant. Thanks for the info.

To go further i can confirm that as a member of the Defence Forces you are prohibited from "supporting, or subscribing to" any political organisation, therefore prohibiting membership of any party or organisation with political aims. Altough I'd imagine this is only strictly enforced on members of the PDF

neilled

The oath is fairly clear about whats permitted -these are the other ranks oaths, the officer ones contain the same provisions about politics.

PDF :

I,___________, do solemnly swear (or declare) that I will be faithful to Ireland and loyal to the Constitution and that while I am a man of the Defence Forces I will obey all lawful orders issued to me by my superior officers and that while I am a man of the Permanent Defence Force I will not join or be a member of or subscribe to any political organisation or society or any secret society whatsoever and that, if I become a man of the Reserve Defence Force, I will not, while I am a man of the Reserve Defence Force, join or be a member of or subscribe to any secret society whatsoever.

RDF

I, ____________, do solemnly swear (or declare) that I will be faithful to Ireland and loyal to the Constitution and that while I am a man of the Reserve Defence Force I will obey all lawful orders issued to me by my superior officers and will not join or be a member of or subscribe to any secret society whatsoever.

Zambia

So chicks can join any party while in the army?

davetherave

Zambia wrote: »

So chicks can join any party while in the army?

Not sure if you are serious are not but no it's the same for males and females

The "man" part of the oath refers to being an enlisted man rather than officer

Interpretation generally.
2.—(1) In this Act—
the word “man” means a person who is for the time being a member of the Defence Forces, but does not include an officer;

Unless you are talking about the party in my pants...in which case then yes chicks can most certainly join in :rolleyes: :pac: