LEGISLATION FOR a directly-elected mayoralty in Dublin is to go to Cabinet on Tuesday, according to senior political sources.
The plan to elect the senior office holder in the capital city’s administration was approved in principle by the Government last May.
Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment John Gormley originally set June this year as the target date for the election.
However, a spokesman said last night that the poll could be postponed until the autumn if necessary.
“June has been the target date to have a mayoral election in Dublin since the Government decision last May, but the Minister may consider delaying it until the autumn if necessary,” the spokesman added.
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been mentioned as a possible candidate, but has played down speculation, emphasising that he would not be prepared to run unless the office had real power.
“If I saw a mayor with full, full executive powers – which I don’t think from what I’m hearing I’m going to see – then you would think about it.
“I was a mayor 24 years ago with a chain around my neck and no powers. I don’t need to do that again,” Mr Ahern has said.
Other possible Fianna Fáil candidates include former lord mayor Eibhlín Byrne and the party’s group leader on the city council, Mary Fitzpatrick.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, the senior Coalition party began its own debate on the issue.
A party committee, led by four Ministers – Noel Dempsey, Batt O’Keeffe, Pat Carey and Eamon Ó Cuív – will co-ordinate the party’s views on reform and submit them to Government and to Mr Gormley.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Carey said some concern had been expressed about the new proposed structures, including regional authorities.
He said 14 members had spoken, some of whom had expressed concern about the powers of existing town councils and county councils being eroded.
Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the main Opposition party, given his formidable record as a vote getter.
Potential Labour standard-bearers include former lord mayor Cllr Dermot Lacey who recently claimed that “a coalition of Fianna Fáil backbenchers and bureaucrats” had combined to “stymie” the proposal for direct elections.
Other names featuring in speculation include former finance minister Ruairi Quinn, broadcaster Joe Duffy, Trinity Senator David Norris, former MEP Eoin Ryan, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald and sports and media personality George Hook.