Chamber of Commerce backs elected Lord Mayor for Dublin
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce tonight called for a directly elected Lord Mayor for the city.
Eugene McCague, president of the body, said it would help bring the capital to to the top of the premiere league of capital cities around the world.
“We believe that a directly elected Lord Mayor – a mayor of the people and not of party politics – would provide the leadership and accountability to take on such a challenge,” he said.
“Just as great companies need a strong leader ... Dublin Inc needs a directly elected Lord Mayor.”
The group also called on the Finance Minister to ensure the central Exchequer pays its fair share for the services that are provided by local authorities.
“Ever since the domestic rates system was abolished in the late 70s, business has been paying an increasing share of the cost of running local authorities,” McCague told the Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.
“Business funds about two-thirds of the running costs of Dublin City Council through rates and charges. The Exchequer is not paying its fair share of the cost of providing local household services from water to sports facilities to the fire brigade.”
