Directly elected mayor for Dublin would greatly benefit the capital – Cllr Daithí Doolan

Sinn Féin leader on Dublin City Council, Cllr Daithí Doolan, has said that it is time for Dublin to have a directly elected mayor, arguing that it would be hugely beneficial for the capital.

Speaking at the Martin McEvoy Conference in Dublin City University, Cllr Doolan said:

“It is time for Dublin to have a directly elected mayor.  It would be hugely beneficial in meeting the challenges our communities face across the capital.

“The Customs House is attacking democracy with a bacon slicer.  Consistently slicing away at local democracy. 

“The biggest challenge facing Dublin is the housing crisis.  Meanwhile the biggest obstacle to building council and affordable housing is the Department of Housing itself.  Housing programmes in Dublin’s local authorities are underfunded and buried by bureaucracy.  This must end.

“Policing and community safety is a concern for residents across Dublin.  Many communities feel abandoned by consecutive governments.  Decisions are made without any consultation or input from those effected the most.

“We need a champion for Dublin to stand up against the bureaucrats in government who consistently stand in the way of progress.

“A directly elected mayor must be part of a package of reforms that devolve powers from the centre to local government, giving communities more say in how this city is run.  This would be a big boost to democracy.

“This government need to give the people of Dublin their say.  Let us have the debate about a vison for Dublin, and how a mayor can make the capital a safer, stronger, welcoming city for everyone who wants to call it home.”