John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would consider them to be a board and they should be directing the person who is being paid by the State to do his or her job.

In many counties, mayors or chairmen are down the list in terms of recognition while paid officials make it look as if it is their domain and that they have brought about these wonderful changes. Without the representatives that the public elect, we would not have those changes. However, we have not given those public representatives powers. This Bill could deliver powers to them. Deputies Fitzmaurice and Grealish have called on the Minister of State to meet those representatives. He does not have to hear what they have to say to know what has to be done. If he had the courage of his convictions, based on a real true experience he has had in politics, he could do this. He can take the advice of his officials but not be led by it; he should be led by his own experience. He should give Kilkenny its city status as promised. Let us continue with a proper democratic structure. It now all rests on the Minister of State's shoulders.

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