The publication of the proposals for a new Dublin Mayor shows Minister Gormley to be delusional in thinking that this is a serious reform of local government. The new Mayor would have no independent budget, no extra funding for services and virtually no independent powers. The position, however, would carry a bloated ministerial salary and significant office costs.
It is ironic that, just when there is a debate about the abolition of one ceremonial talking shop – the Seanad – the Minister for the Environment is proposing to establish another meaningless institution.
The key to the delivery of top class local services – including transport and water services – is adequate investment. But these services have been starved of sufficient funding for decades. The provision of such funding along with the democratic participation of local communities and elected local representatives would mean the potential for a real transformation of towns, villages and cities.
Foisting another establishment politician with a new title on the heads of the citizens of Dublin is a cynical charade. The proposal should be aborted now.
However, if the Mayoral election does goes ahead, the Socialist Party will stand a candidate in order to use the opportunity to campaign strongly against the attempt water charges, cutbacks in local services and attacks on working people generally.
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