Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

We will press this amendment. It is the role of legislation to anticipate what could happen in the future. Government policy clearly articulates that this is something it wants to happen in its term of office. One of the Government's partners in government is very committed to making this happen because it is a good idea. If it is done properly it should make a major difference to the lives of the people living in and around Dublin.

I witnessed the excitement and interest generated by the mayoralty election in London. One of the main issues in that election was congestion charging and public transport. Much less commented on but equally important was the turnout in interest from mayoralties in places likes Middlesbrough, which have directly elected lord mayors also. There was a high turnout in those elections because the office of the directly elected lord mayor was meaningful. In this amendment we are trying to ensure that when this office is set up it can make a difference.