Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

I deeply resent the suggestion that the councillors of Dublin be used as guinea pigs by the Member from Longford. This amendment is extremely divisive. That Dublin and Cork should be used as guinea pigs for a pilot system is unacceptable. There are huge implications for democracy and for our councillors. Our councillors in Dublin are being told that they have to take a step back and that the people will decide on a short-term, pilot basis whether their decisions in the past have been wise or foolish. If there is a body of opinion promoting directly elected mayors and it wants pilot programmes to be initiated, then I would respectfully suggest to Senator Bannon that he start with his own councillors to see if they share his opinions and if there is consensus .