Labour and Greens encouraged to pull plug on government parties on DCC

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.

How Dublin City Council’s Progressive Alliance collapsed

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 Social Democrats councillor Jesslyn Henry for Lord Mayor, 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.

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.

Social Democrat group leader on Dublin City Council, Karl Stanley, said, “we are delighted to nominate Jesslyn Henry for Lord Mayor. ”

“Jesslyn works tirelessly for her community in Kilmore, fighting for high-quality public housing and the proper resourcing of vital services such as special needs provision in schools.  Jesslyn’s advocacy on autism awareness led to Dublin City Hall being accredited as Autism Friendly – this is the sort of people-centred, positive, inclusive politics that will make her an excellent Lord Mayor that all Dubliners can be proud of.”

Fellow Artane-Whitehall councillor 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.

Independent councillor Pat Dunne said “it is time we prioritised the regeneration of council housing in Dublin.  For too long our flat complexes have been left to fall into very poor conditions.”

“I am confident that with right people as Mayor and Deputy Mayor we can put the regeneration of council housing back on top of the council agenda,” the veteran left-wing councillor said.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have simply ignored the needs of ordinary families and their communities.  It is time for this to change.  That change can start on Monday night.  I strongly encourage Labour and the Green Party councillors to work with us and support our candidates Monday night.”