Talks on election of Dublin mayor continue

Intensive discussions between the various parties are likely to continue into this afternoon to broker a deal to elect a new Lord Mayor of Dublin tonight.

There was speculation last night that Labour, Fine Gael, the Green Party and Independents might make an agreement to share the mayoralty over the next five years.

Labour, as the biggest party in the new council, had what a source described as "at least informal talks" with all groups. The party's leader in the council, Mr Kevin Humphries, told The Irish Times last night that Labour wanted power returned to the elected representatives of the people.

"We are trying to negotiate a policy-based platform that will drive the development of the city for the next five years. We want something solid and substantial which we can deliver to the citizens of Dublin."

It is understood that a deal between Labour, Fine Gael and the Green Party would be the wish of senior party figures in line with the co-operation between the parties which exists in the Dáil.

However, the parties will have to strike a deal with one of the Independents to make up a majority.

The Independents are Mr Vincent Jackson, Ballyfermot; Ms Joan Collins, Crumlin-Kimmage; Mr Mick Rafferty, North Inner City.

The Fianna Fáil Lord Mayor, Mr Royston Brady, stands down tonight. He is no longer a councillor as he stood, unsuccessfully, for the European Parliament and under the dual mandate rules could not hold two seats. In the outgoing council, a deal between Fianna Fáil and Labour saw the two parties sharing the mayoralty.

In the new city council, which meets for the first time in City Hall tonight, Labour has 15 of the 52 councillors. Fianna Fáil has 12, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin 10 each, Independents three, and the Green Party and PDs one each.

Discussion began between the various groups at City Hall at 9 a.m. yesterday and continued throughout the day.

Some sources predicted that a deal might not be done until shortly before the meeting at 6.45 p.m.

"Anything is possible," said a source. "I would think that it will go to the wire. A deal will not be easily struck. The political complexion of the council has changed, and the position of Lord Mayor is coveted, particularly by individuals and parties with Dáil ambitions."

Meanwhile, the Irish Anti-War Movement said last night that it would "lobby" tonight's council meeting to call for the lifting of the ban on posters for the protest in Dublin next Friday against President Bush's visit.