Elected mayors - A minister for Dublin?

IT was always unlikely that the Green Party proposal for an elected lord mayor for Dublin would come to fruition this year.

Far more pressing issues have consigned this idea to limbo, though the Greens still hope an election will be held in the spring, in conjunction with at least three by-elections and a referendum on children’s rights.

Anything that enhances local democracy is welcome but it must be suspected that should Dublin elect a lord mayor from a party other than those in government, that co-operation with the office might not be absolute.

There is the question, too, of how the office would impinge on the office of city manager.

It is just possible that Dublin might be better served by having a dedicated seat at cabinet rather than establishing a new office at city hall.