Republican News · Thursday 27 June 2002

O'Toole's challenge for Mayor of Dublin

BY JOANNE CORCORAN

Sinn Féin councillor Larry O'Toole is to contest the election for Dublin City Mayor on Monday 1 July at City Hall.

Larry is aware that the tradition of council votes for the mayoralty is a prejudicial system and that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in league this year to control the destination of the ceremonial role.

"Establishment party leaders use the mayoralty as a political gift doled out to party favourites," says Larry. "The Mayor should be elected by the people of Dublin and should work for those people. If I am elected I am going to challenge the cosy cartel that exists in City Hall."

Larry's aims, if elected, are to focus on issues that were raised with him during his recent general election campaign.

"Dublin people are concerned about crime. I have been a victim of the crime that is rampant in Dublin at the moment. No matter what the government says, people feel that crime is escalating. I want to confront the reasons for this."

Larry is also promising to focus on health, transport, housing, employment and local amenities in the city.

"Another concern of mine is the privilege that sees the Mayor living in rent free splendour in the Mansion House," Larry says. "Dublin has one of the highest numbers of homeless people in Europe. I intend opening up the Mansion House to the people of Dublin.

"Alex Maskey is promising to create a city of equals in Belfast and I hope to do the same in Dublin. This city is divided economically. I witnessed this first hand, as my own constituency contains very poor areas and very affluent areas. The Mayor of Dublin should be a voice for all the people of Dublin and should act as a catalyst for change. If I'm elected, I will change the role to meet these requirements."