Dáil to debate proposal to allow for directly elected Dublin Mayor

Fianna Fáil wants to give the people of Dublin a say on whether there should be a directly elected Mayor for the capital.

The party is putting forward legislation in the Dáil tonight that would allow for a consultation process, a plebiscite in 2018, and if passed a Mayor would be directly elected in 2019.

The Greens are also putting forward legislation tomorrow that says a directly elected Mayor should have similar powers to those of the Mayor of London.

Fianna Fáil's Dublin spokesperson John Lahart says Dubliners should decide if they want a directly elected Mayor.

Mr Lahart said: "Whether you live in Fettercairn, Balbriggan, Dalkey or Blanchardstown, you will have a say in this.

"And the Mayor, and the powers that are embodies in him or her, will have functions that speak to everybody, not just business interests, nit just particular interest groups, but everybody in the capital."