But over all, the official said, the candidate pools to replace the justices were quite similar.

"There are numerous reasons why the candidate pool for school administrators is so small," he said.

Now the candidate pool reflects a reversal and the lack of a strong personality in Irish politics.

It accepts about 120 students each year, out of a candidate pool sometimes as large as 360.

But those cuts had a longer range impact, depleting future candidate pools in police departments and other government agencies for higher positions.

But whether the surge in applications reflects a more talented candidate pool is harder to determine.

He does not mention the unique educational merits of the program and the diverse candidate pool it attracts.

Get immediate access to an online candidate pool that is second to none.

As more women rise through the ranks, the reasoning goes, the candidate pool will inevitably grow.

Is there an adequate candidate pool of people of difference who bring resources?