Once again, Londoners are selecting their leader, with current Mayor Livingstone facing stiff opposition tomorrow at the polls. Voters will be holding Livingstone to account for his performance over the past four years – on subjects such as congestion charging and crime - by rewarding him with, or denying him, another term in office. Dubliners deserve this same opportunity to vote and secure themselves effective local leadership. Dublin Chamber of Commerce has called on Government to implement its commitment to introduce a directly elected Mayor with executive powers by 2011.

“London is thriving under the leadership of a directly-elected Mayor,” said Gina Quin, Chief Executive Dublin Chamber. “The Mayor of London has real powers and four years to deliver on their commitments for the city region. Through the Mayor’s office, the work of the 33 local boroughs has been brought together resulting in increased efficiencies and effectiveness.”

Dublin Chamber believes that the Greater Dublin Area needs a similar powerful directly-elected Mayor. By having a leader who is subject to performance and accountability pressures, the region’s 7 local authorities can be brought closer together to effectively address the challenges of strategic land use and planning, and transport management.

The powers of the proposed Mayor are part of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s public consultation, which will run until 31 July with the White Paper to be completed later this year.