Labour councillor James Humphreys has accused Taoiseach Micheál Martin of celebrating Jim Gavin’s record while ignoring the Citizens’ Assembly the former Dublin football manager chaired, as he renewed calls for a long-promised plebiscite on a directly elected Mayor for Dublin.
“Micheál Martin has just endorsed Jim Gavin for President, calling him an ‘extraordinary, accomplished person’ with the right values and a life of service,” Cllr Humphreys said.
“If the Taoiseach trusts Mr Gavin to serve as head of state, why is he ignoring the Dublin Citizens’ Assembly that Jim chaired, an assembly which called for a directly elected Mayor and stronger councillors’ powers?”
Humphreys highlighted Gavin’s own remarks to the Oireachtas, in which he questioned whether Dublin has an elected leader with “the mandate, power and means to drive reform, co-ordinate strategy, deliver services and ensure Dublin’s future is safeguarded”.
The Assembly’s report responded by recommending a Mayor with sweeping powers across housing, transport and community services, alongside full-time councillors with proper resources.
Members, he said, were “aghast” at the lack of autonomy for councillors and the concentration of power in unelected managers.
“The Assembly members insisted that Dubliners themselves must have a say.
“Yet nearly two years later, Government still hasn’t held the vote.
“Micheál Martin can’t have it both ways: he can’t celebrate Jim Gavin’s service while ignoring the vision that he led,” Humphreys said.
““It’s time to stop dodging democracy. Put the plebiscite on the same ballot as the presidential election.
“Let Dubliners decide if they want a Mayor with real powers and councillors with real authority.
“If Fianna Fáil think Jim Gavin is good enough for the Áras, his Assembly’s work is good enough for Dublin.”