Councillor Peter McVitty:

Senator Landy asked about the role of mayor at county and municipal district level. The document itself places great emphasis on the county council being the premier body in the county. We are passionately of the view that we must distinguish the role of the mayor as the leader of that particular body as distinct from the municipal entity. We do not have an issue with the new structure in so far as it proposes the establishment of municipal entities. Each municipal district will require a chairman, which role would carry certain recognition at various events. We see a role for that person on a localised basis. As both a town and county councillor, I see the demise of the town council as a huge loss to a large number of towns. We share the belief, however, that the head of the premier body should be clearly distinctive on any public occasion. By allowing the role of mayor to exist at all levels, there would be a significant dilution of the role. We are particularly concerned that this should not happen.