The contentious issue of a directly elected Mayor of Dublin is about to raise its head once again. This development comes on foot of a Fianna Fail bill to introduce a directly elected Mayor of Dublin.
The last time this subject was raised, the agreement of all of the four Dublin local authorities was required to prompt a plebiscite to elect a Dublin mayor. However, while the other three local authorities voted in favour of a plebiscite, Fingal County Council voted it down, thus scuppering the chance of an election. This caused some anger among local representatives, who felt that the people were entitled to be given the chance to elect a mayor. Others in Fingal County Council were unsure of the exact remit of the new mayor and what kind of powers he or she would have in determining the plans for Fingal. Would this new mayor be interested in the happenings in peripheral areas of the North County, particularly our precious rural area? This was too much for our county councillors, resulting in a rejection of the proposal.
The County Leader spoke to the Oireachtas members, five TDs and two senators, representing North County Dublin to find out their opinion as to whether Fingal should support the notion of a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin?. The opinions make for interesting reading. Already opinion is divided, with five in favour and two against an Elected Mayor for Dublin.
Louise O’Reilly TD – Sinn Fein – YES
Sinn Féin has long argued that directly elected mayors are an important part of the much needed reform of local government in the State.
We have been critical of the Fianna Fáil-Green Party government and the Fine Gael-Labour government for their failure to introduce meaningful reform of the local government system.
Sinn Féin supports the holding of a referendum in FIngal and Dublin city and county to allow the people of the Dublin region to take the decision in relation to a directly elected mayor.
Sinn Féin will call for a Yes vote if a referendum is held. We in Fingal Sinn Fein will actively campaign for this and we will be at the forefront of ensuring that Fingal is well represented and that we get the best out of any changes for the people of Fingal.
If such a referendum passes, the Mayoral term should be for five years, with the first election taking place at the next Local Government elections in 2019.
Sinn Féin does not support a symbolic Mayoral office, it must have real executive powers and an appropriate staff and budget. A symbolic Mayoral office will not deliver for the people of Fingal and will be a waste of money.
The powers, responsibilities and functions of the existing four local authorities and councillors must not be reduced.
Significant executive power must be devolved down from central government and state bodies to the Mayor’s office.
The Mayor should have a number of clearly defined executive powers including transport; major roads; waste management and tourism.
These would involve the devolution of powers, staff and funding from central government or state agencies to the newly created office of the mayor.
The Mayor would also have responsibility for strategic policy co-ordination, in partnership with the four local authorities, in a number of areas including economic development, environment, housing and planning.
While the initial powers to be devolved should be limited to those listed above, should the Office prove itself competent, those powers could be expanded in a process of rolling devolution in the future.
The Mayor’s office would include a cabinet made up of publicly appointed Directors of Service for each area of Executive responsibility.
The Mayor would be held to account by a regional assembly made up of six councillors from each of the four Dublin local authorities appointed using the Group election system (similar to D’Hondt but designed to include independents as well as parties)
The Assembly would meet monthly and its function would be to scrutinise the Mayor’s annual work plan and its ongoing implementation in those areas where the office has executive authority.
The Assembly would also have a role in assisting the Mayor in the development of strategic policy in those areas where the Mayor has this responsibility – however such policies would also need the approval of the four local authorities.
The Assembly and local authorities would also have a role in the appointment and holding to account of the Directors of Service.
The Assembly would also have powers to hold to account, and if necessary to remove, the mayor or individual directors of service from their positions under clearly defined circumstances and by a weighted majority vote
The funding and staffing of the Mayor’s office will, in the main, come from existing central government and state agencies resources. During its first term of office, should additional resources be required these will come from central government.
Darragh O’Brien TD – Fianna Fail – YES
An outward looking approach is crucial to the future of Dublin and if we are to compete with cities across Europe and globally, a strong champion and ambassador will be key.
The Fianna Fáil bill proposing the introduction of a directly elected Mayor of Dublin, which was debated in the Dáil this week, has the potential to strengthen local democracy and governance in Fingal. The continued and committed work of Fingal County Council should not and cannot be drawn in to question by this proposal.
The power and influence that a directly elected mayor would have, is ultimately up to the people of Fingal. A consensual approach to detailing the specific powers of the position of office is crucial for the benefit of those within the jurisdiction of Fingal County Council. By holding a plebiscite on the position it will ensure that there is real legitimacy at the core of its strategy and that both the public and prospective candidates are fully aware of what it entails.
The terms of office will be approved by the people of Dublin before it is created and not foisted upon them. If the proposals do not deliver for Fingal there is choice to vote against it and reject the idea of a directly elected mayor.
The most critical aspect of our bill is the public consultation process to allow people and businesses in Fingal a chance to come forward to discuss the proposal and its benefits for the county. This is vital in ensuring that Fingal is not disadvantaged by any adoption of a new Mayoral structure. It strengthens and enhances the value of democracy in local government and decision making for the people, by the people.
Other parties have simply tried to introduce a new position without any effort to understand or consider the concerns of the people of Fingal and how it may deliver for the whole county, not just a part of it.”
Brendan Ryan TD – Labour – NO
The proposal for a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin was back on the agenda last week and it is certainly something which is worthy of rigourous discussion.
Dublin is our capital city and the driver of the wider Irish economy and our city and county is rich in history, culture and tradition. The balancing of this rich history with the need to be a dynamic and modern city is difficult, and we haven’t gotten everything right in recent years. In particular, there has been a massive deficit in proper city planning and the delivery of a integrated transport network. The inability to develop appropriate density of housing in the city centre has led to decades of urban sprawl which impacts on everything from house prices to commuting times, which have knock on effects for people’s quality of life.
For example, the decision to build two unconnected LUAS lines on Dublin’s southside was one of the worst transportation decisions in the history of Dublin. Whilst the LUAS cross city project is linking these lines now and extending the LUAS to Cabra, there is still something missing; Metro North to Dublin Airport and Swords. The massive infrastructural gap in the M1 corridor is the fault of poor decision making and responsibility for this falls between the city and county councils and central Government.
We do need a better plan for Dublin city and county with a long term strategic vision for the region, but I am not totally convinced a Directly Elected Mayor is the answer at this time. There are too many unanswered questions and I would have a concern that Fingal, sometimes viewed as a half county to the North, would be forgotten and sidelined with any Mayor focusing on the City. Whilst not totally opposed to the idea, I am certainly not convinced now is the right time for a Dublin Mayor.
I would first like to see a real plan for the city and County, including all of Fingal before the decision of what the best method of delivering this strategic vision would be. There is too much at stake and I believe it is too risky at this time to support a Directly Elected Dublin Mayor.
Clare Daly TD – Independents 4 Change – YES
On the one hand I would question the need for a Mayor, after all it’s a bit outdated having been first instigated through a charter from the Norman king John in the 13th century. And like many others I would have some reservation as to whether it is value for money, being as it is largely a ceremonial role.
However, considering the consistent dilution of powers taken from local government over the decades perhaps a move to elect, by public vote, a mayor who would be accountable to the citizens of Dublin would set a good precedent for our democratic process. This is a move that could be coupled with a restoration of powers to our democratically elected councillors. And those councillors, including the mayor should be responsible for protecting and defending our public services as well as our local democracy.
Over the past number of years, we have seen the outsourcing of council jobs and public services; services that once served our communities very well. These roles were replaced by private companies who have reduced the level of service while increasing the cost to the general public. The private waste companies are a prime example.
Our councillors have been frustrated and had their hands tied by unelected ‘managers’; making the council chambers a talking shop with no real power. These managers and senior executives are unelected, appointed positions with no political mandate from the people and in no way accountable to any of us. Yet, they make decisions on a daily basis that affect all of us.
Just a couple of weeks ago the Minister for Housing announced a Housing bill, which contains a provision to curtail the council’s planning powers. While the Minister claims that this is in order to fast track housing, it is more likely a political manoeuvre to wrest away more power and undermine our democratic rights.
In the midst of a huge housing and homeless crisis, local solutions should be sought and that means at community level with a council that is accountable and has the power to act. So, if an elected mayor sets us back on track to local and accountable politics then I would be in favour of that, as a first step.
Alan Farrell TD – Fine Gael – YES
Since the creation of the four Dublin local authorities in 1994, Dublin City and its county has had no unifying local government force. While other major European and international capitals have a figurehead, Dublin has four, with no statutory body to co-ordinate their efforts. As a former Mayor of Fingal in 2007 and 2008, I am only too aware of the wonderful goodwill toward the office holder, yet equally aware of the limitations of the role. Dublin has seen huge changes over the course of my lifetime and I would see the establishment of a directly elected Mayor as a major progressive step for the county.
Dublin is a vibrant, modern European city, competing for investment with other cities across Europe and further afield. A directly elected Mayor would enhance local government and accountability for the 1.3 million people living in the city and a further half million people in the greater Dublin area. London is a prime example of how the local government structures can be greatly enhanced with a model which not only strengthens the existing Councils but gives them more authority to hold their Mayor to account.
My own tenure at Fingal County council, where I served as Deputy Mayor and Mayor, has furthered my belief that all the local authorities need to be working together, striving towards common goals. While the existing debate circles around two proposals from the opposition benches, I am firm in my belief that all members of Dail & Seanad Eireann must work together to tease out the best options for our capital city. We must identify what model will best suit us and then work to ensure that devolvement of responsibility occurs over a period of time. It is also my view that the creation of a Mayor for Dublin must come with significant authority to take back control of our city from un-elected public servants and put it firmly back into the hands of our citizens.
I believe that we need to get the consultation process right. We need to look at the how much autonomy the envisaged office will have and we need a clear demarcation of responsibilities. I would like to see a pragmatic and prudent Mayor’s office, one where citizens can see the effects of the decisions that are made at a local level.
Fine Gael in Government is committed to local authority reform and a more accountable local government. As established in the programme for government, Minister Simon Coveney will prepare a report for the Oireachtas, by mid-2017 on potential measures to boost local government leadership and accountability.
Senator James Reilly – Fine Gael – NO
Since its inception, Fingal County Council has gone from strength to strength. We have a very dynamic and innovative council and executive. Their focus is on the needs of the people of Fingal. In a short time, we have copper fastened our own identity as a community. We have a distinct culture with our long coastline, fishing villages, harbours, beaches and agriculture, particularly horticulture.
We are part of of Dublin city and county, but we do have a very distinct sense of self and cultural identity. We now have a thriving business community, our own very active Fingal and Balbriggan Chambers of Commerce, to name but two. We have a very strong rates base, with with the most competitive rates of the four Dublin local authorities. We have the youngest population in Ireland, if not in Europe one of the most diverse and bright, as evidenced by the success of our team in the Young Scientist of the Year awards earlier this year.
The four Dublin local authorities already co-ordinate well on many issues already such as in Tourism and new brand, ‘A Breath of Fresh Air.’
There is a huge focus needed on local infrastructure to support housing needs, and the needs across Dublin are very different and we need dedicated local focus. Some Fingal housing projects may not get prioritised against high rise investments in Dublin City Centre.
Communities across Dublin are very diverse, not one single entity and centralising this could damage community spirit.
Fingal has been hugely successful since it came into being at improving our infrastructure and supporting business, tourism, and heritage. I don’t believe we would get the same support in a bigger entity. One only has to look at Swords Castle, Malahide Castle, Newbridge, Bremore, Balbriggan, to mention but a few.
If there is to be a plebiscite in relation to a new mayor for all of Dublin, then the plebiscite needs to be carried out in each ward independently of the other wards. Otherwise Fingal does not get to determine its destiny, but gets outvoted.
Government policy is to devolve as much power down locally as possible. This seems to be movement in the opposite direction.
Overall, I see no advantage for Fingal in having a directly elected mayor for the whole of Dublin and, very worryingly, there is no definition of that Mayor’s role or powers and his/her relationship with local authorities, Government ministers and departments such as Health, Education, Transport and Planning. As currently proposed by Fianna Fail, this merely adds another layer of bureaucracy at a time when the country is still recovering from the economic crash.
The funding for important infrastructure like housing, Metro North and the electrification of the Balbriggan DART line comes from central government. Fingal County Council has been very effective in obtaining government funding for important infrastructure, like the nw distributor road into Donabate and many Waste Water plants.
It is difficult to see where a mayor for all of Dublin would be distracted by many of the issues affecting Fingal, particularly our rural areas. I want to congratulate Fingal County Council on being voted the best local authority in Ireland….. If it’s not broken , don’t fix it!
Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee – Fianna Fail – YES
Currently in the county of Dublin, we have four local councils and four mayors. Some people in Fingal believe it is advantageous in having our own council and mayor. I disagree. Having a directly elected Mayor of Dublin will be of great benefit to all of us in Fingal in many different ways. As has been proven in other capitals around the world, having a directly elected mayor has led to tremendous success.
Dublin faces many challenges and in order to overcome those challenges, a joined-up approach is required – this is the fundamental reason to support a directly elected mayor. For example, Fingal is not getting a fair amount of tourists visiting Dublin, despite having some of the best beaches, castles and sporting amenities in the country. A joined-up tourism strategy for Dublin will ensure that four councils are not competing with each other, but rather that one office is working to ensure an equal share of tourism and arts and culture funding.
A Mayor of Dublin, providing singular leadership and a unified approach will have to fight for all of our interests most especially those of Fingal, given the fact that we have the fastest growing population of any area in the country. Dublin competes every day with other global cities. An example we are too well aware of was the loss of the Web Summit to Lisbon. As Britain prepares to exit the European Union, many global companies are looking for bases in which to maintain a European presence. Having a Mayor of Dublin to represent and pitch our city and county and all of its great assets, especially Fingal’s location and easy access to global connectivity would be an incredible advantage when seeking to create jobs.
Fingal stands to firmly benefit from having a directly elected mayor. Our unique position with easy access to both the M1 and M50 as well as being home of Dublin Airport can be better exploited by a directly elected mayor – a champion and ambassador. Whether it is attracting inward investment or securing European or national funding for manufacturing, agriculture or tourism, a directly elected mayor can deliver for Fingal.
A directly elected mayor will serve a fixed term, rather than the current system whereby all four mayors across Dublin are replaced on an annual basis. Having a fixed term mayor ensures a strategic approach to how the city and county is run and developed – from attracting investment, to transport infrastructure and from tourism, to hosting global events.
A Mayor, elected by all of the people of Dublin to represent us and to plan for our future will be a strong asset. A Mayor of Dublin is good for Fingal.