Maurice Quinlivan, the Sinn Féin representative in Limerick city, has expressed his intent to run for the mayoral office despite existing hesitations about its limitations. The politician anticipates that a government led by Sinn Féin would delegate additional capabilities to the Limerick mayor. The political group’s Central Committee is set to finalise their choice for the mayoral candidate this weekend.
On June 7th, which coincides with the local and European elections, the mayoral elections are scheduled. This newly instituted office in Ireland, with a £154,000 salary and a yearly budget of £8 million for project development, represents a significant civic milestone. The mayor’s prime responsibility involves proposing Limerick City and County Council’s annual budget, subject to councillors’ approval.
Added to this, the mayor will also put forth the five-year Local Development Plan and be able to consult with Cabinet ministers regularly each year. However, Quinlivan had spoken out the previous year about the lack of power granted to the new mayoral position, stating it led to a widespread disappointment in Limerick.
Additionally, Sinn Féin intends to legislate the delegation of more authority to the newly elected mayor of Limerick for tasks such as land acquisition. Suggestions include giving the mayor jurisdiction over municipal waste collection and the ability to establish Limerick as a “living wage local authority”. In this scenario, contracts would be awarded to companies offering their employees a living wage.
Quinlivan further argued for the mayor’s active involvement in the newly anticipated Community Safety Partnerships, set to supersede the present Joint Policing Committee.
Mr Quinlivan has identified the key challenges for Limerick city as antisocial conduct, crime, narcotic distribution and substance abuse. He believes that by ‘fortifying communities’, these issues can be mitigated. Addressing the serious lack of social and affordable housing is another major concern. The vacant council homes, substantially exceeding 200, present a solution. A key strategy of the mayor should be expediting their refurbishment for habitation, a feasible process given the necessary political determination. Other contenders for the seat include Fianna Fáil’s Dee Ryan, Green Party candidate Brian Leddin, Social Democrats representative Elisa O’Donovan, Ruairí Fahy from People Before Profit, Sarah Beasley representing Aontú, Dr Laura Keyes from the eco-socialist party An Rabharta Glas, and independent candidates John Moran and Helen O’Donnell.