Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the sentiment expressed by Deputy Sherlock regarding overcautiousness, although I would say it is cautiousness. We cannot necessarily say at this point that it is overcautiousness because we are moving into somewhat uncharted territory. We have to respect that. The review mechanism after three years, notwithstanding Deputy McNamara's scepticism, is useful. In my short time in this House, I have seen reviews go through and be very effective. The review mechanism here is a very valid one. A debate should happen again in another three years in respect of the balance of power between the mayor and the director general.

My amendment No. 97 is included in this group. It is about giving the mayor an influence in the selection of the executive team in the local authority. I accept the Minister of State is not going there at this time but it is something we should look to improve, if required, after three years. There will be an interesting few years between next June and June 2027. We could be having a very different debate at the end of that period. Perhaps the Minister of State and I will be proved wrong, or maybe not. I hope we have a very successful inaugural mayor of Limerick city and county who drives forward, not just Limerick, but the whole mid-west region. I would like to think we will be on our way in three years to achieving the vision many of us have of our part of Ireland becoming a counterbalance to the hegemony of the east coast.

See this speech in context