Cities to be polled on directly-elected mayors

By Elaine Loughlin and Daniel McConnell

People in Cork, Limerick, and Galway are to get a vote on whether they would like directly-elected mayors, the Taoiseach has confirmed.

Leo Varadkar said he is “very enthusiastic” about having directly-elected mayors and has revealed plans to hold mini-referenda on the issue at the same time as the local elections in May.

“The problem with a one-year mayor, the one-year cathaoirleach system that we have in Ireland, is that when somebody settles in and is learning the ropes, they are replaced again.”

“Having somebody there for five years would make a big difference, particularly if they get some of the executive powers that officials have,” Mr Varadkar said.

However, the Taoiseach said if those living in Cork, Limerick, Galway, and other areas do vote to introduce directly-elected mayors, the system would require legislation and so it would take some time before coming into force.

“But the first step is to ask people in those areas would you like to move from a system where we have an annual election of a mayor who is essentially a chairman of the meeting and a figurehead, to a five-year position, a person who would have real power and influence?” Mr Varadkar told Newstalk radio.

Meanwhile, the Dáil is set to prioritise legislation needed to roll out abortion services from January after the Supreme Court refused an appeal to the result of the Eighth Amendment referendum.

Health Minister Simon Harris will now bring the required legislation to Cabinet for sign-off and intends to introduce it to the Dáil in early October.

He called on all members of the Oireachtas to respect the decision of the people and to allow the legislation to pass through the Oireachtas to allow for the provision of abortion services from the beginning of the year.

Reacting to the decision, Mr Varadkar said: “That means that the Eighth Amendment can now be ratified and signed into law by the President, thus formally amending our Constitution giving effect to what people voted for back in May.

“That allows us now as a Government to bring forward the legislation to allow for abortion in Ireland for certain circumstances.”

He also confirmed that work on this would progress when the Dáil returns in less than two weeks.

Mr Varadkar was also questioned about the visit of US President Donald Trump after Tánaiste Simon Coveney said Mr Trump is not a racist, but the Irish Government profoundly disagrees with many of his policies.

The Taoiseach said the costs of the trip have not yet been calculated but added that there “certainly will be several million in additional costs”.