Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps colleagues will agree that Limerick, despite how fantastic a place it is, has huge potential and opportunity. I see this legislation as critical to Limerick taking the next steps forward. Rather than being a regional city, it could be a great European city. This legislation has the elements to bring Limerick from the third city in the country, which perhaps serves our capital in Dublin, to one that can stand on its own two feet and compete in a European context. That is exciting. For the most part, this legislation does that and I am very positive about it.

Amendment No. 23 somewhat undermines the new role. I agree with the Minister of State that the election is the consultation. The candidates stand on the basis of their manifesto, put forward their programme and vision for the city and county in the election and are elected accordingly. If it is prescribed in legislation that the mayor, having just been through an election, must go back to the people for a further consultation process, it is a recipe for division and undermines the election that has just happened.

I fully agree with the Minister of State that the election is what matters. Once it is over and the candidate is selected, the mayor should be allowed to develop a programme, put it to the elected council of Limerick and get on with the job.