Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 February 2003
Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage.
As already indicated, the Bill repeals legislative provisions currently in place which provide for the introduction of direct election of cathaoirligh of county-city councils in 2004. The Bill provides, therefore, that in 2004 the cathaoirleach will be chosen by the newly elected councillors from among their number as in the past. The ending of the dual mandate will bring about substantial change and, with the normal turnover at election time, there will be a large influx of new entrants to local government. These changes need time to bed down. The issue of the cathaoirleach's election and role will be considered in the light of experience of these changes and others in prospect.
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