The Case for a Directly-Elected Mayor in Dublin

The idea of a directly-elected mayor for Dublin has been circling Irish politics for decades — recommended by a Citizens’ Assembly, backed by some parties, resisted by others, and still unresolved. Today on Newstalk Daily, Shane Beatty asks why Dublin remains the odd one out, while cities around the world hand executive power to mayors who shape housing, transport, and climate policy. Professor Ricky Burdett from the London School of Economics joins the podcast to explain why mayors have become such influential political figures in recent years, not because cities are growing faster in Europe, but because urban areas now sit on the frontline of challenges like inequality, climate change, and migration. He also outlines how much power mayors actually hold in cities like London, Paris, and New York — and why Dublin’s largely ceremonial model stands apart. Green Party chair and Dublin city councillor Janet Horner makes the case for giving Dubliners a direct say over who leads their city, arguing that a directly-elected mayor could bring clearer accountability, stronger leadership, and better coordination across things like transport. She also addresses concerns about populism, central government resistance and whether Ireland really needs another powerful political office.