Dublin is to get a new directly-elected mayor within a year.
The first directly elected city leader will be chosen by the capital’s citizens next summer.
‘2010 will see the direct election, by the people of the Dublin region, of a highly-visible and accountable Mayor who will have the authority and powers to deliver real leadership for the city and region,’ Green party leader John Gormley said.
At least one prominent politician is interested in the job.
Bertie Ahern stuck his head above the parapet last weekend to test the public mood. Gormley at least seems impressed.
George Lee already has a gig pencilled in, but maybe Fine Gael could approach Pat Kenny. He’ll have some more spare time on his hands next year.
And no doubt Sinn Féin will put Mary Lou McDonald forward for the post if she loses out in next month’s European race. After all, they’ve nominated her for everything else.
Naturally, Ivana Bacik will put her name forward for the Labour party, adding another notch to the list of posts the electorate failed to return her to.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m placing a long-odds bet on Dustin the Turkey.
