11 February 2010 Edition

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Bill for Dublin Mayor must include democratic reform

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh says the promised legislation to provide for the direct election of a Mayor of Dublin must include democratic reform of local government.
The coalition government has approved heads of a bill for the direct election of a Mayor of Dublin but no details have been released of what powers such an office would possess.
“In recent years we have seen more bureaucracy and less democracy at local government level,” said Ó Snodaigh. “More powers have been stripped from elected councillors and vested in city and county managers. Local communities have little or no input into the running of their city. This must change.
“If a new office of directly elected Mayor is to have any meaning it must be accompanied by a rejuvenation of democracy in this city. The new Mayor’s office should be able to take a lead in providing improved public transport, decent housing and enhanced public spaces. Overall there needs to be a new vision of planning for people in the greater Dublin area. Better co-ordination between the existing local authorities is also essential.  
“Sinn Féin will carefully consider the Bill when it is published and decide our position on legislation and on the proposed election.”

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