Government announces dual mandate to end
The Government has formally announced that the dual mandate is to end.
The announcement means that from 2004 members of the Oireachtas can no longer serve on local authorities.
Environment Minister Martin Cullen says the Government has also decided to discontinue plans for directly-elected county and city Cathaoirligh.
"What was agreed today is very straightforward. The dual mandate will end from the 2004 elections. The issue as regard to selecting mayors and Cathaoirligh throughout the country will remain within the council themselves," he said.
