Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I asked a question in the Dáil as to the reason this could not be done. I was given the lazy answer that if they got a job, they would have the money and one would never get it back from them. However, if the Government really wanted to do it, it would work out a way to do it.

This budget was meant to be about reform but where is it? I spent six years on Roscommon County Council and while good people work there, the problem is that there is no accountability. Billions of euro are spent between roads and all the other services provided by local government but there is no accountability. I was mayor of Roscommon County Council last year and the director of services with responsibility for finance threatened to leave the room if I sought further information on the budget while attempting to save money. The reason he could do this is that county councillors have no power. I am delighted to see the Minister of State nod in agreement because that gives me some hope. Accountability should be brought to local government. The introduction of directly elected mayors would achieve two things. First, a great deal of money would be saved and second, the Government would get me out of here because I would run for that position. I would love to get County Roscommon off its knees.

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