John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

One could be mayor of Dublin and retain one's seat in this House. The current Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, took the decision in respect of these matters. I am not sure Deputy Tuffy can blame civil servants in this instance. The Minister took a view that did not gain acceptance in Fianna Fáil but prevailed with it. As a result of this decision, Deputies and Senators have very little or limited influence on local government activities.

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