NOBODY WOULD deny there is an urgent need to reform our system of local government to make it more accountable and provide citizens with up-to-date information concerning ongoing projects and development plans.
Too many officials behave as if the Official Secrets Act governs their every action and treat basic information as a source of power, rather than a necessary consultative tool. It should not be like that in a properly functioning democracy.
This disconnect between officials and the public has been addressed by Minister for the Environment John Gormley in a Green Paper that recommends the election of city and regional mayors with executive powers; the devolution of authority from county to town level and a strengthening of local democracy. The document represents something of a Green Party wish list. A White Paper has been promised for the autumn and is likely to form a major element of the party's election platform in next year's local elections.
There is nothing wrong with being ambitious. But, as Noel Dempsey discovered to his cost when he provided for directly-elected mayors in legislation seven years ago, the power of vested interests should not be under-estimated. On that occasion, opposition by backbench TDs and council management to a rebalancing of powers sent the proposal to the dustbin. This time, the programme for government envisages an evolving process, with Dublin being used as a test centre. Even there, agreement with Fianna Fáil on the extent of mayoral powers is uncertain. Mr Gormley envisages the mayor taking charge of public transport. But control of the bus system has already been excluded from the Dublin Transport Authority Bill.
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing local government involves inadequate funding. The Green Paper does not address this matter. Funding has been referred to a Commission on Taxation that will also consider the introduction of a carbon tax. More money is desperately needed. And with the population expected to reach five million by 2020, demands for local services will increase along with an opportunity for corruption. Greater transparency and accountability is vital in order to educate and empower the public and to provide administrative discipline. In that regard, the creation of political executives at county and regional level, involving directly elected mayors and the chairmen of strategic committees, is probably unrealistic. Apart from antagonising county managers, it could be represented as a direct challenge to ministerial authority. Any new powers for politicians in terms of local authority development should come with strict legal and ethical controls.
This is a discussion document, with challenging ideas and interesting proposals. It represents a considerable amount of Green Party thinking. The White Paper, which will contain firm proposals from the Government parties arising from the consultative process, may be substantially different. And a Bill could bring further change. In spite of that, the process of debate is likely to stimulate and inform the political and administrative systems and open up the prospect of a more participatory and accountable democracy.