Calls for elected Lord Mayor for Dublin

CALLS are growing for a directly elected Dublin Lord Mayor following a recent survey that revealed most Dubliners are in favour of the idea.

Dublin City Council’s Your Dublin, Your Voice survey found 61 per cent backed an elected mayor while only 14 per cent rejected the idea.

Dubliners are due to vote on the proposal in a plebiscite that will take place alongside the local and European elections in May 2014.

If the vote favours the plan it’s expected the new Lord Mayor would oversee the city’s four local authorities and could be given a budget and even a

‘cabinet’ to preside over.

A forum of Dublin’s four local authorities, chaired by current Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn, recently discussed proposals for the idea, which will be presented to Minister Local Government, Phil Hogan, following a public consultation period.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce say the city’s business community is in favour of an elected mayor with

“real power

?.

“All over the world, mayors with strong executive powers and real vision are transforming their cities and making a real and tangible difference to the lives of their citizens,

? explained Dublin Chamber Chief Executive, Gina Quin.

“Dublin needs a champion who will be directly accountable to the people of Dublin as a whole on issues of regional importance.

“Such a champion would market the region internationally as an attractive location, drive the regional integration of infrastructure, and provide coordinated regional leadership.

?

Former Lord Mayor, Cllr Andrew Montague (Lab), said an elected major with executive power could provide a boost for the Dublin economy.

“For the first time a single office would be responsible for co-ordinating transport and planning policies,

? he continued.

“The mayor would also be responsible for promoting the city to encourage more inward investment and tourism.

“From my experience as Lord Mayor of Dublin, doors are opened wide by businesses and by city governments all over the world when the Mayor of Dublin visits. A powerful directly-elected mayor with a five year mandate could make the most of those opportunities to sell Dublin.

“Cities are competing for inward investment and Dublin must not miss out on this.

?

Fingal councillor, David McGuinness (FF), believes an elected Lord Mayor could allow Dubliners to take power away from central Government.

“The Dublin region is strategically crucial to our entire country but residents of the capital do deserve to have their city and county run in an effective and determined fashion,

? he said.

“Government should be answerable to the people and with the future of Seanad Ã?ireann hanging in the balance, Dublin needs a voice of authority that is independent of government and which has real power to implement and design policy for the capital.

?

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Oisín Quinn said the working group set up to discuss proposals are preparing the way forward for a debate on the issue with the public during September and October.

“We will be announcing details in early September of the format this public consultation will entail, but it is our intention that we ensure we have an informed discussion, which will enable us to put the decision in the hands of the people in May 2014.

?

Northside councillor, Gerry Breen (FG), questioned the results of the council survey that suggested massive support for a directly elected mayor.

“The 1,200 people who took part in the survey were self appointed participants,

? he said.

“The statistical basis of the survey is completely flawed. The public’s view of the position may accord with this

‘survey’ but it could also be completely different.

?

?¢ Pictured is current Dublin Lord Mayor, Oisín Quinn