Labour and Greens encouraged to pull plug on government parties on DCC
Mike Finnerty 26 Jun 2026
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan has repeated his calls for Labour and Greens to pull the plug on the government parties on Dublin City Council.
In the aftermath of the 2024 local elections, Labour and the Greens walked from talks with Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and various left-leaning independents to run Dublin City Council.
On that occasion, Labour claimed that there were major differences on property tax, while the Green camp believed that Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats did not have the suitable chops on environmental and transport issues.
Since 2024, however, the political landscape of Ireland has changed.
Last October’s presidential election saw the various parties of the left unite to back Catherine Connolly in her successful campaign for the Áras, and in May’s Dublin Central by-election, Green transfers proved to be the difference in Soc Dem Daniel Ennis winning the seat over Sinn Féin’s Janice Boylan.
More recently, Labour has pulled the plug on their coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on Fingal County Council.
Doolan has now put pressure on Labour to do the same on Dublin City Council.
“It is hugely important that we challenge the ruling group in Dublin City Council led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael,” the Ballyfermot-Drimnagh councillor said.
Doolan, who serves as Sinn Féin’s leader on Dublin City Council, said that his party, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and various independents have shown good consistency in working together on Dublin City Council since 2024.
“We are committed to standing up for Dublin and to reversing the increase in council rents. These increases not only affect council tenants, but they also hit HAP, RAS and tenants in approved housing bodies as well. These rent increases are putting pressure on already struggling families. Council tenants are in poorly insulated homes requiring urgent upgrades and maintenance. While HAP and RAS tenants remained trapped in the precarious private rent market, facing evictions at any time. Demanding extra rent is unfair and will continue to be opposed,” he said.
The Progressive Alliance will be backing Edel Moran for Deputy Mayor of Dublin City Council, while it is understood that the Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Labour/Green coalition will be backing Donaghmede councillor Daryl Barron for the position of Lord Mayor.
While the Progressive Alliance won’t be backing Moran for Mayor (with the implication being they are aware they don’t have the numbers to back a mayoral candidate), they hope that the various parties of the left can work together to secure a Deputy Mayor position.
At present, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil occupy the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor briefs, with North Inner City councillor Ray McAdam and Cabra-Glasnevin councillor John Stephens currently occupying the roles.
Moran hopes to become Deputy Lord Mayor, with the backing of the various opposition councillors.
“I am honoured to be nominated by Sinn Féin and our colleagues in the Progressive Alliance for Deputy Mayor of Dublin City Council,” she said.
“I am a proud Dubliner. This is a great city. I know it can be much better. Unfortunately, the politics of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed this city,” the Artane-Whitehall councillor said.
“They have failed us in central government, and they have failed us in Dublin City Council,” Moran said.
“This city needs someone who is not afraid to challenge this government; I will stand up for Dublin and stand up for our communities.”
“My priorities will be the introduction of the hotel bed tax, tackling the housing crisis and reversing the unacceptable rent increases.
“I would make a special appeal to councillors in the Labour Party and the Green Party to support me for Deputy Mayor. Your support would send out a strong message to this government. Dublin demands better than the failed politics of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael,” she stated.
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