The Labour Party has criticised the "anti-democratic" nature of local government following the vote in favour of a 23 per cent increase in refuse charges by Dublin City Council last week, writes John Downes
Labour Cllr Kevin Humphreys claimed yesterday the current structure of local government means councillors have no choice but to pass Budget Estimates or else face the prospect of them being abolished.
The bin charge increase was passed by just one vote by city councillors last Monday night.
"We are given 21 days to pass budgets," Mr Humphreys said. "If we don't pass it, then the Minister [for Environment and Local Government] abolishes the council. I wonder what would happen with TDs in Leinster House if, every time they did not pass a bill, the Dáil might be abolished."
The Labour Party spokesman on the environment, Mr Eamon Gilmore, said last night that local government was treated "like a wayward child" by central government.
"It is allowed no independence or responsibility," he said. "They are faced with a 'take it or leave it' situation."
Deputy Gilmore said a council should be put up for election if it doesn't pass Estimates. "If the Dáil won't accept a Budget, there is a general election," he said.
But in contrast, the Minister for the Environment appoints a commissioner to run a local council if it fails to agree Estimates, he added.
Mr Fitzgerald yesterday rejected the Labour Party's claims. The normal procedure, he said, was that, as city manager, he drafted a proposal which councillors were free to amend.