Mr. Adam Teskey:

I am delighted to be here on behalf of the people of Limerick and particularly the Rathkeale-Adare municipal district. I recognise the distinguished members of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and my fellow councillors. It is great to be here today. This is a topic that is very much in the minds of Limerick citizens, considering we are on the brink of a pivotal moment in local democracy, namely, the election of a directly elected mayor. This presents some unique challenges and opportunities, which I will address shortly.

First, I want to discuss some of the more general issues that are impacting citizens' participation, many of which will no doubt come into play as Limerick voters make their mark on the historic vote in June. In this digital age, the proliferation of misinformation and toxic online discourse poses a significant threat, distorting public perception, influencing voters and eroding trust in local institutions.

Social media platforms amplify echo chambers and polarise our communities, hindering constructive dialogue. There does not seem to be a middle ground anymore. One must be for something or against it. Safeguarding local democracy requires concerted efforts to promote media literacy and critical thinking. We must explore more ways to regulate online content while being careful not to stifle debate. We need to foster a digital environment that encourages thoughtful civil engagement rather than diversified rhetoric.

Inclusivity is a fundamental pillar of a robust local democracy. Our ever more diverse communities bring unique perspectives. We must actively work towards eliminating barriers that hinder the participation of marginalised groups and empower citizens with the knowledge to engage meaningfully. Perhaps a new emphasis on civic education is called for. By instilling an understanding of democratic principles from an early age, we cultivate an informed and engaged citizenry and encourage active civic participation.

A common criticism of Ireland’s government structure is that it is too centralised. Limerick’s directly elected mayor will have executive powers and be an able, identifiable and legitimate leader acting on behalf of Limerick’s citizens in their domestic and international interactions. Critically, our new mayor will have regular engagements with the Government. This will go some way towards addressing the point about overcentralisation.

The directly elected mayor position is not without its detractors, however. Some argue that it adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and elected councillors will have reduced influence on policy. Research has shown that direct elections can foster populism and personalist politics.

What is clear is that the implementation of a directly elected mayor will change the political dynamic as well as the governance’s approach in Limerick. Other counties will be watching with interest. Looking abroad, some would argue that the mayor of London is now one of the most important political positions in the UK. It has provided local government in London more influence over policy making. On the other hand, concerns have been raised in Canada over the disparity between the increasing demands of the role and the somewhat confining legislation.

In Limerick, the future of local democracy hinges on empowering the directly elected mayor to have genuine influence. As the role evolves, local democracy’s importance will grow, contributing to more joined-up thinking, reduced centralisation and a targeted approach to Limerick’s needs. In effect, this will affirm that local people are best placed to understand local concerns. It brings to mind a quote from the great Greek philosopher, Aristotle: “If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in government to the utmost.”