John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I will be very clear about it. I have met with councillors on a number of occasions and I have said that I see the powers coming from the managers. That is clearly the case and I have stated so on a number of occasions.

As to the Deputy's initial point, it is up to the political parties to decide when they want to campaign. They can select their candidates and start campaigning now if they wish. I do not determine the behaviour of political parties or individual candidates, but I do hope that we will get the very best candidates in the field, be they from political parties or independents. I look forward to a stimulating campaign and a good debate about the future of this city.

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