Tanaiste Simon Harris: Review into Mayor of Limerick legislation to commence 'shortly'

TANAISTE Simon Harris has said that a review into the legislation which underpins the role of directly elected mayor of Limerick will commence shortly.

He was speaking after a week in which Mayor John Moran, the first executive mayor in Ireland, attracted national headlines, after suggesting that some councillors had a plot to ensure his role is "unbearable".

In a lengthy blog post, published at the start of the week, the first citizen also accused members of exploiting his early exit from a meeting to push a document through against his will.

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Mr Harris was in Limerick this Friday to visit St Munchin's Community Centre in Kileely where he saw its flagship meals on wheels programme which operates from the nearby former St Lelia's National School.

The Fine Gael leader also addressed local party members at the South Court Hotel, before later on Friday, attending a Limerick Civic Trust dinner in Castletroy, where he is expected to hold talks with Mayor Moran.

Mr Harris confirmed he had been speaking with his cabinet colleague, the Local Government Minister Darragh O'Brien, whose job it will be to initiate the review into the legislation around the mayoralty.

It's widely accepted the roles of responsibility in the legislation between Mayor Moran and council director general, Dr Pat Daly are poorly defined.

It's part of the reason why there has been rows during Limerick's first 18 months with a directly elected mayor.

"It is the government's intention to commence that review shortly. I note from the comments of the mayor it's something he would welcome and I note from the comments of many elected representatives it is something they would welcome too. I know it is envisaged the review will commence this year, I hope as early as possible. The reason we'd be doing it is because it makes sense to have the review commenced and completed long before the next local election so there can be absolute clarity for everyone in Limerick," he said.

The Tanaiste urged everyone to think carefully during the review.

"I think it's important everyone takes stock here and has an honest conversation through about what's working the way it is intended to do, and if it isn't, are there things which could be improved? This is not about any politician, it's about the people of Limerick city and Limerick county," she said.

Asked if he supported Mayor Moran, the Wicklow TD said: "It's important to remember that everybody who is elected, whether you are an elected councillor or an elected mayor, is working for the betterment of Limerick city and Limerick county. I've no doubt that's the way it will continue. I've known John Moran a long time. I've known our councillors a long time, and I think everyone needs to pull together as I'm sure they will in the interests of Limerick."