10 years ago we lost our town councils in Ireland. Mallow Town Council had the lowest business rates in the county of Cork. Local businesses saw a rise in their rates when the Town Council was abolished. What did we achieve by this measure? What did we gain by getting rid of town councils? Our local democracy is poor in Ireland, but not having town councils means that our local democracy is even poorer now. Our county councillors are expected to be full-time politicians on part-time wages. To enhance freedom, national democracy needs a robust local democracy as its foundation. The running of the councils is in the hands of appointed chief executives. Directly elected mayor’s isn’t the answer to this democratic deficit. Look at America and the mess of its politics. I don’t want that for local democracy. Parliamentary democracy is superior to presidential democracy. The mayor should be elected from the councillors and by the councillors. Nationally, the government is elected by the Dail. Enjoy the local and European elections, and remember to vote.
irishfabian+ 