Time to Deliver a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin
Time to Deliver a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin - The Labour Party
- Ó Ríordáin calls for vote this November
Labour’s Dublin Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP has called on the Government to hold a plebiscite on a directly elected mayor for Dublin on the same day as the presidential election this November. He said Dubliners deserve the same opportunity as Limerick to choose a mayor with a democratic mandate to lead Ireland’s capital.
Ó Ríordáin said:
“Cities compete globally for investment, talent, visitors, and attractions. Dublin is being left behind because of a political vacuum at the heart of decision making in our capital city. Dublin still lacks the political leadership and accountability that comes with a directly elected mayor. The Programme for Government promised a vote for Limerick and consideration of a similar plebiscite for Dublin. The Government must now act.
“A directly elected mayor could drive coordinated responses to the housing crisis, the climate challenge, and the state of our public services in Dublin. We have four local authorities pulling in different directions, but no one person to set a vision for the capital.
“There is much that is great about Dublin, and we want to harness the spirit and energy of our city as a national and global melting pot. Too much political debate in Ireland is focussed around using Dublin as a punching bag for other areas looking for investments. The reality is our city has never been properly invested in or received the attention from Government it deserves. When Dublin thrives, Ireland wins, because it is the engine of our economy and generates growth and revenues that provide opportunities for people across our island.
“Government must now put this question to the people. A plebiscite on a directly elected mayor should be held on the same day as the presidential election this November. Dublin deserves a mayor with a mandate – it’s time to let the people decide.”