Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

This is evident in his dismissal of public concerns of the risk to democracy from his moves on electronic voting and the removal of powers from local government. The Minister, Deputy Cullen, has used his term in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to demonstrate his disregard for democracy. His contempt for local government has been manifested on numerous occasions. As he has pulled the non-elected city and county managers closer, he has pulled the control of local government away from community elected representatives, leaving them prostrate in powerless councils. Since taking office, the Minister has further centralised power in an already excessively centralised system of local government. The Local Government Act 2003 further diminished local democracy by deleting the provision in the Local Government Act 2001 for the direct election of cathaoirligh of city and county councils.

I again thank the Green Party for the opportunity to point out the Minister's waywardness. I call on Members to support this motion so as to remove this pillar of pro-privatisation that obstructs proper policy and incentive that will enhance the environment rather than damage it. By his record in office, the Minister stands indicted. He must resign.

See this speech in context