Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The process will start at the 2014 local elections with a rebalancing of power to councillors, more accountability, more alignment between local elected members in community groups and a better system of local government that will attract more people to participate either by being elected to the local authority or participating, through the community sector, in enhancing the economic and social community projects that are badly needed. This would have the effect of creating employment opportunities locally and delivering local services as close as possible to the citizen, with the maximum financial autonomy. That is my objective.