Greens say Dublin mayor plan agreed as FF briefs TDs

THE GREEN Party is prepared to address “doubts and difficulties” within Fianna Fáil about its proposal for a Dublin mayor but is insisting the legislation will be implemented.

Two Fianna Fáil Ministers will brief their party’s Dublin-based TDs and councillors about the Local Government (Mayor and Regional Authority of Dublin) Bill 2010 this evening.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey will address Fianna Fáil elected representatives, some of whom are unenthusiastic about the proposal.

Some details of the proposed legislation have yet to be clarified, although Government sources said it was likely to be published this week. While the proposed legislation is sponsored by the Green Party, Mr Carey insisted the Coalition partners agreed on the issue.

“It’s a Government proposal, let’s be very clear on that. A lot of work has gone into it by both parties,” Mr Carey said.

“We will be explaining the advantages of the proposals. We’d like the people who will be affected by it to hear it first.”

A spokesman for the Greens said: “This has been agreed with our Government partners. We’re prepared to work with people who have doubts and difficulties on matters of detail, but this is agreed.”

Dublin North West TD Noel Ahern said he did not know the detail of the proposal but feared the position would lack sufficient power. He said Fianna Fáil TDs would not want the proposed legislation prioritised above other Bills.

“I don’t understand why the Greens are so excited about an idea that’s knocking around for 10 years. If it’s going to take its place in the queue of items going through, then I’m sure people will consider it, but if it gets treated as a priority that risks getting people’s backs up.”