We have to move to counter this threat to local democracy in Cork

Serious public attention should be paid to the views of the 18 former Lords Mayor of Cork who oppose the abolition of Cork City and County Councils and replacing them with a ‘super council’. (Irish Examiner, August, 4)

What is at stake here is local democracy and the civic participation of citizens in organising and running local government in our respective areas. The councillors elected to Cork City and County Councils in May 2014 received no mandate from the citizens to impose such a body. There is no ‘grassroots’ demand for this outrageous proposal — it is being foisted on people by bureaucrats, business consultants and by some, though not all, property developers.

What have Blackpool and Baltimore got in common or Kinsale and Knocknaheeny? They have different histories, growth patterns, and what is crucial here, totally different local government and community needs.