A PROGRESSIVE COALITION in Dublin City Council are imploring Green Party and Labour Party councillors to stop ‘propping up’ Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The ruling parties have been taking turns choosing the mayor, but some councillors say it’s anti-democratic.
The council is to vote on Monday on who should take over from Ray McAdam (FG).
The Progressive Alliance – made up of Social Democrats, Sinn Féin, Independent and People Before Profit councillors – have voted in a block since the local elections in 2024.
They say on Monday they will put forward Jesslyn Henry (SD) for Lord Mayor, and Edel Moran (SF) for Deputy Mayor.
However, they’re not likely to be successful. While a vote is to be held, mayoral elections for Dublin City Council have become somewhat of a fait accompli.
Since Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party and Labour formed its own alliance, the parties have taken turns putting forward candidates who then have the benefit of the majority vote.
This year, it’s Fianna Fáil’s turn, and they’re rumoured to be nominating Daryl Barron.
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan has said the ruling parties are “actively working against us” on housing and homelessness, as he implored Labour and the Greens to “promote a more progressive policy for the city”.
There is a precedent for them to break away from the ruling parties. In Fingal County Council over the last year, Labour has switched sides, now supporting opposition parties in most things.
Doolan says it demonstrates a “change within the party” that could bleed into Dublin City Council.
The Greens, however, are showing no signs of shifting.
Councillor Donna Cooney said that part of their agreement with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is that her party gets to choose the mayor next year and the year after.
It would be “prudent” to stick with the alliance now, she told The Journal.
“Even though it’d be nice to be part of a different alliance, that’s the alliance that we chose,” she said.
Cooney added that it goes beyond the mayorship. They have also agreed on certain goals for the council’s five-year term, which she wants to see through.
Independent councillor Pat Dunne said it’s time for change, as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have “ignored the needs of ordinary families and their communities”.
“I strongly encourage Labour and the Green Party councillors to work with us and support our candidates Monday night.”
Meanwhile, People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy said the ruling parties’ “devotion to the private market” has led to rising rents, record homelessness and pricing out workers.