asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Local Government (Dublin) Act, 1930, by altering the date of election for the position of Lord Mayor to the month of October in this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Mayoral Election.
The answer is in the negative.
Is the Minister aware that the date fixed will mean that, if the present occupier of the office of Lord Mayor is re-elected for a further year, the subsequent election will take place at the time that the Eucharistic Congress will be proceeding here? Is the Minister satisfied that it is fair to the present occupier that the election should take place at that particular time?
The Local Elections and Meetings (Postponement) Bill, which is at present before the House, proposes to postpone for a period of seven or eight weeks the time at which the chairmen of all local bodies in the country will be elected. I understood that that proposal was opposed from the Deputy's benches the other day.
Probably the Minister is aware that the present occupier of this office was given the position for a period of a year. In view of the fact that the election takes place after the expiration of eight months, it is proposed to give him a further year of office. In order to have in office a person who will meet with the unanimous approval of the Council, will the Minister not facilitate the Council by having the election at a time which will enable such a choice to be made?
I have nothing to add to my answer.
The Minister is not anxious to have in office at that time as Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin a man who will have the complete support of the Council and one who will be selected to uphold the dignity of the office as it should be upheld at that particular period.
It is entirely a matter for the Council.
The Minister will not facilitate them?