Sandman, if you search for gombeen and politics you will find numerous mentions like the following:

"It’s now generally used to describe politicians and businessmen involved in self-serving activities, and more specifically Irish politicians involved in Daly-style vote getting in exchange for pursuing personal favors for constituents. Gombeen men skillfully make insider deals while convincing their supporters that they are actually outsiders, like them, and hence more straight talking and capable of representing the common man’s interests."

Colleen Hennessy

I certainly have heard it used that way in the past.