Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

There is a wall of under managers and then more under managers. At first, people were pleased that there were these various elements. They thought they would be chairmen of the bodies and do plenty of work. It has not worked out that way. It is just a huge increase in bureaucracy.

I am a great supporter of local government and decision making at local level. That is what people are elected to do. However, councillors will not take some decisions. If we are honest, and it is often non-PC to be honest, councillors do not want to take the decisions that will hugely increase bin collection charges. I have spoken to councillors from both my party and others and they say they are glad the county manager will be the bête noire on this issue. The burden falls on his shoulders.