James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Tuffy's amendment. If a council does not strike a rate, the democratic process should be handed back to the people rather than appointing a commissioner. It is important that elections should be held at the earliest opportunity. If one takes on the responsibility of serving the people at local level, facilities and services must be provided. Power should never be handed to a commissioner, or at least only for a very limited period. There should be a by-election held to let the people decide who they want to represent them.