Independent Flanagan wants FG to reduce number of local councillors

Roscommon-South Leitrim TD Luke "Ming" Flanagan hopes Fine Gael will decrease the number of TDs in the Dáil by 75%.

Roscommon-South Leitrim TD Luke "Ming" Flanagan hopes Fine Gael will decrease the number of councillors by 75%.

The 31st Dáil promises to be a colourful affair with developer Mick Wallace and Mr Flanagan among 11 new Independent TDs.

Mr Flanagan, who is best known for his campaign to legalise cannabis, has said he has many other priorities for his stint in Leinster House.

He hopes Fine Gael will like his plans to radically reform local authorities.

Mr Flanagan said: "I understand Fine Gael are all on for changing the way government works so I would imagine they would have no problem in maybe taking on my suggestion of reducing the number of councillors nationwide by 75%."