Dublin mayoral election 'this year'
Tuesday February 09 2010
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has promised the election for Dublin's first directly-elected mayor will take place this year.
But it is understood a June date for the poll favoured by Environment Minister John Gormley could be pushed back to the autumn.
The Cabinet has formally cleared the bill allowing for the creation of the post.
"The commitment in the Programme for Government is that it (the election) will take place this year, and we intend honouring that commitment," the Taoiseach told the Dail.
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been tipped as a potential contender, as has former Fianna Fail lord mayor Eibhlin Byrne and the party's group leader on the city council, Mary Fitzpatrick.
The new mayor will have similar powers to the London mayor and will have responsibility for transport, planning and waste policy in the city.
Press Association
