A chara, – I was interested to read Paul Gillespie’s article about local government and local elections in Ireland (“Overworked, older and mostly male: Ireland has Europe’s weakest local government”, Opinion & Analysis, April 13th). I found myself nodding along as I read it. The points raised might be more suitable to cover in the run-up to the next general election.
It is national politicians and government who have power to reform local government. I hope that there’ll be serious media coverage of local government reform when the people are next asked to elect TDs. We lowly councillors will continue to exercise those functions bestowed on us by central government.
Reform or not, I’m still looking forward to local election media coverage focussing on what councillors actually do in our roles. We will also continue to proudly advocate for our constituents in areas we have no direct control over, as most councillors do this role out of a desire to do right by our communities. At a quarter the remuneration of a backbench TD, it’s certainly not for the money! – Is mise,
Cllr OISÍN O’CONNOR,
Why has the German economy gone from Europe’s engine to its anchor?
Seán Moncrieff: I hate being sick but I’ve a fear of visiting any doctor. I’m not alone in this
Domhnall Gleeson on nepo babies: ‘I’ve been so lucky. It’s important you can acknowledge it. Otherwise you’re lying to yourself’
Manchán Magan: The deeper you dive into Icelandic culture, the more of Ireland you find
Green Party,
Ballinteer,
Dublin 16.
