TDs and Senators will be allowed to stand for Dublin Mayor.

Green Party Leader John Gormley today confirmed that TDs and Senators will be eligible to contest the election for the position of Mayor for Dublin due to be held later this year.
The general scheme of the Local Government (Dublin Mayor and Regional Authority) Bill 2010 contains draft provisions in relation to disqualifications from being elected Mayor, including being nominated for election. These draft provisions are based on current local government law in relation to the dual mandate.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has stated that the published Bill will not preclude members of the Oireachtas or of the European Parliament from standing for election as Mayor. However, an Oireachtas member or an MEP would be required to step down from that position if elected to the position of Mayor for Dublin.

Minister Gormley has already written to opposition party leaders and local government spokespersons inviting them to a meeting to discuss the proposed bill. He is happy to examine any positive measures suggested by the opposition to improve the legislation, and would urge them to take the opportunity to engage in creating a new position to provide leadership and vision for Dublin.