TDs to lose council seats as dual mandate axed

THE Government is expected to drop plans to axe the dual mandate which allows TDs to hold onto local council seats.

The plan has met with fierce opposition from Fianna Fáil backbench deputies who say the party will lose seats at the next election if they don't have places on the council.

Environment Martin Cullen yesterday declined to comment on the matter, but said the issued would be "disposed of" within weeks.