Ahern says idea of directly-elected mayor is “stupid”

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rubbished the idea of Dublin having a directly-elected mayor, branding it “stupid.”

Speaking at an event at the IFSC in Dublin held by the Urban Land Institute, Ahern was asked about his views about Dublin having a directly-elected mayor as the race for Limerick’s directly-elected mayor heats up.

Ahern remarked that the idea of a directly-elected mayor was being floated when he was Taoiseach 20 years ago and said the argument “hasn’t been thought out.”

“I think it’s a stupid idea. I hope I’m long gone before anyone implements it. Improve what we have, but for God’s sake don’t bring in a directly elected mayor” he said.

He claims that while out on the campaign trail, “not one person” has raised the idea of a directly-elected mayor with him.

Despite Limerick voting to bring in a directly-elected mayor via a referendum in 2019, he said the voters “made a mistake.”

“I don’t see how it would work quite honestly. Let’s be honest but the idea of the guards or the schools being run by the city council. And child minding? Jesus, the poor kids. So I don’t get any of this stuff. I wish Limerick well. They made a mistake, I just don’t see it as being a good idea,” he told the event.

He said that Dublin “must be doing something right” as it has achieved economic growth without a directly-elected mayor, pointing to the redevelopment of the Docklands and Temple Bar as major activity hubs.

Dublin City Council boss Richard Shakespeare was asked about his thoughts on a directly-elected mayor, and said that voters “need to have an idea what they are voting for” if it was put to referendum like it was in Cork, Limerick and Waterford in 2019.

Limerick voted for the proposal, while Cork and Waterford rejected it.

He said the idea of a directly-elected mayor was “fundamentally a good one” but said the current system of local government should be reformed.

He said that elected reps within the current system “should be empowered” and said “without money and resources, you have nothing.”

Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe told Northside People last November that he would be in favour of Dublin having a directly-elected mayor, saying it is “absurd” that part-time councillors are expected to run a city the size of Dublin.

“Electing a directly-elected mayor is a positive step forward, but it isn’t a silver bullet by any means,” he said.

“A directly-elected mayor would need the floor below them padded out,” remarking that the current system of local politics in Ireland is akin to the Victorian era.

A 2023 report from the Council of Europe found that Ireland had the dubious distinction of having the 4th-weakest local government system in Europe, only above the likes of Russia, Hungary and Moldova, all nations categorised as “flawed democracies.”