Democratic Reform and Inclusion

One of the seven core Green Principles, is that decisions should be taken at the lowest effective level. Especially in matters of public services, financed by public money, citizens should get a say in decisions that affect them. Yet the reserved functions of elected councillors are minimal compared to those in other countries. This constitutes a loss of local sovereignty. Recent problems with zonings of school lands illustrates this.

I will be promoting participation and inclusion in decision-making as much as possible as a councillor. In particular I believe the council should be proactive in seeking the most widespread participation by citizens in the next Development Plan.  I will also support reforms to local democracy developed by the party, such as a directly elected Mayor for all of Dublin.