Michael Ring
Ceist:192 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if staff of local authorities can stand for office in the June 1999 local elections while maintaining their jobs. [9512/99]
Written Answers. - Local Government Elections.
There is no restriction on staff of local authorities contesting local elections; the question of his or her continued tenure of office only arises when a successful candidate comes into office as a member of the local authority.
Under section 21(1) of the Local Government Act, 1955, no person may hold any office of profit or be employed for remuneration by or under any local authority while he or she is a member of that authority. By virtue of orders made under section 25(1) of the Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974, this restriction no longer applies to non-officers or to certain lower level officers – basically officers at and below the level of clerical officer – or to coroners.
Under section 21(2) of the Local Government Act, 1955, no person may hold a major office under a local authority while he or she is a member of any other local authority which is situated in or is adjoining that authority. "Major office", in the local authority context, is any office declared to be a major office by the Minister and, in the main, refers to the more senior offices in local authorities.