Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

In fairness to the party, this is what it has done. Fianna Fáil could adopt a similar position. The problem arises when this restriction is applied to other parties. That is the reason the legislation could come unstuck. A case could be successfully mounted on the provisions of the Bill.

Reference has been made to directly elected mayors. The direct election of mayors would be a good thing. I ask the Minister to consider piloting this in a number of cities at the next local government elections.