Boundary extension proposals: Stormont lite?

THE row over the extension of Cork city’s boundary, and how that evolution might have an impact on Cork County Council’s income, has not yet assumed what might be called Stormont-grade intransigence, but today’s poll, showing that a majority of Cork’s Oireachtas representatives oppose the Mackinnon proposals, suggests that it may.

It is not surprising that rural representatives are particularly opposed to extension proposals. Whether that opposition is based on principles of good local government, or apprehension about the capacity to deliver local services on a reduced county income, requires a subjective decision. In any event, just like Stormont, the matter may be decided by direct rule. The implementation group is to meet this week and they will make recommendations that will form the basis of the electoral areas for local elections in 2019. Not quiet game, set and match, but pretty close.

Even if you set aside reasonable doubts about the need for two authorities, it seems that political ambition, Stormont-like again, rather than common sense, prevails.