Debate: A Directly-Elected Lord Mayor for Dublin?

national | miscellaneous | news report Tuesday June 10, 2003 13:10 by dub-a-linn

might be interesting.

RE: Democracy On Trial
'To be or not to be' - A Directly-Elected Lord Mayor for Dublin?

Apply for your place in the audience!
http://www.dublin.ie/directly_elected_lord_mayor

Imagine a Dublin of the future where the citizens of Dublin democratically elect the Lord Mayor for a five-year term. Where public interest in local government is rejuvenated and local election turn-out is at an all-time high. Where all of the clout and power does not rest with non-elected management officials. Where public cynicism and apathy towards local politics are emotions of the past.

Dublin Community Forum has this vision for the future of Dublin and is putting the issue of the directly-elected Lord Mayor on 'public trial'. Chaired by Vincent Browne, this innovate and interactive trial will put forward the issues for and against a directly-elected Lord Mayor.

The trial will firstly be presented with a 'Book of Evidence' which will clearly outline the current factual position, and case studies from the international arena. (The Book of Evidence is being researched and compiled by Irish Times journalist, Nuala Haughey.) Members of the audience will then, in small groups, debate and discuss the Book of Evidence and select a member to sit on the 'jury panel'.

The main 'trial' will involve a panel of four prominent spokespeople from the world of politics, journalism and academia who will debate the Book of Evidence. Jurists and the Chair can cross-examine or challenge the advocates. The Chair will then put the question - "Should Dublin have a directly elected five year term Lord Mayor?" Jurists and the audience will vote and the outcome will be announced by the Chair. The content of the debate, including the opinion of the advocates, will be added to the Book Of Evidence and placed on the web portal for the City - www.dublin.ie.

Highlights of the debate will be broadcast on the Vincent Browne Show, Radio 1, on Wednesday 11th June at 10pm

This invite has also been issued to the community, business and education sectors, as well as elected representatives and a random selection from the electoral register. We hope that you will take up the offer to participate and use your role to influence the future of democracy in the City.

Audience places at the debate are limited to just 100 and due to the large number of people wishing to attend it is essential that you complete the above form by Tuesday 3rd June.

Responses will be treated on a 'first come first served' basis.

For those who do not manage to secure a place or who are unable to attend on the night a copy of the Book of Evidence will be available upon request.

The debate will take place in the Royal College of Surgeons, St Stephens Green on Tuesday 10th June from 6pm - 9pm.

The running order for the evening is as follows:

5.30pm Registration (tea, coffee and refreshments)

6.00pm Group workshops and elections onto 'Jury Panel' (College Hall)

7.30pm Refreshments / Informal networking (Atrium)

8.00pm Trial - recorded for RTE Radio 1 Vincent Browne Show (Albert Theatre)

9.00pm Vote, Jury Decision, Close

The Dublin City Community Forum is a network of voluntary and not-for-profit organisations which represents and promotes the interests of the Community and Voluntary sector in the City. With over 650 member organisations the Forum works to strengthen democratic participation and active citizenship through involvement in decision making within Civil Society and the democratic structures of City Council.