Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The numbers that will change in the orders I have signed will reflect the size of the local authority in terms of population. It will mean that in the case of a great many local authorities there will be more than two representatives. In other words, only a small number of local authorities will have two representatives. The idea that a political party or Independents will not be represented in a regional assembly will not come into play. Following the results of a local election, arrangement are entered into and coalitions formed. I believe Deputy Brian Stanley was involved in one such arrangement.