MENTAL HEALTH FEAR OF TDs.

Byline: AINE HEGARTY

ONE in four Irish politicians are worried about their mental health, a survey revealed yesterday.

The poll also showed 15 per cent of TDs and senators have sought help with two-thirds prepared to go public about their problems.

But one third said they would not like their mental problems to be made public over fears about how it would affect their career. A similar survey carried out in the UK found poltiicians with mental illnesses kept it secret as they feared it will be used against them by rivals or the media.

Researchers found 94 per cent of politicians knew at least one person with mental health problems. Nine out of 10 said they felt they would perform their duties better with mental health awareness training.

The survey which was carried out by a Cross Party Oireachtas Group, found mental health is often at the bottom of the political agenda.

Group co-convenor Senator Frances Fitzgerald said politicians must tackle the stigma linked to mental health.

She added: "Like the rest of society, most of us know someone who has experienced mental health problems and we want to create a space for constructive debate that leads to real and positive change.

"We need to lead by example and show society that mental health problems are part of every day life."

Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik spoke to Irish politicians yesterday about his battle with depression.

Instead of hiding his mental illness, he ignored advice and went public with his problems.

Mr Magne Bondevik said: "Is it possible to show weakness when you are a leader? Yes, I do believe so."

CAPTION(S):

LEAD Sen Frances Fitzgerald