Newton Emerson: Local government democratic deficit puts officials ahead of elected councillors

Newton Emerson

IN the Republic's local elections tomorrow, the people of Cork, Limerick and Waterford will have an extra question on their ballots - do they want directly-elected executive mayors? The question has largely arisen because of Project Ireland 2040, the Irish government's ambitious plan for its regional cities.

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Columnists

Alex Kane: Euro election puts UUP under huge pressure from Alliance

Northern Ireland news

Councillor and Free Presbyterian minister critical of DUP's decision to select openly gay election candidate Alison Bennington

Columnists

Newton Emerson: Sinn Féin and the DUP have nowhere else to go but back to Stormont

Columnists

Allison Morris: Voters should never be taken for granted

MORE Local Election 2019

Jim Gibney: No mood for prolonged, pointless Stormont talks

Jim Gibney 08 May, 2019

I started writing this article when I came off a walk over Divis Mountain in memory of Bobby Sands on the 38th anniversary of his death on May 5 1981.

'Sad and upsetting' to see Jim Rodgers sanctioned says UUP's Sonia Copeland

Brendan Hughes 08 May, 2019

ULSTER Unionist veteran Jim Rodgers being sanctioned for a controversial election leaflet that attacked Alliance is "sad and upsetting", his sole remaining party colleague on Belfast City Council has said.

Framework for talks long overdue

08 May, 2019

THE results of last week's council elections have been widely interpreted as an expression of voters' desire that devolution should be restored as soon as possible.

Analysis: The DUP's increased isolation doesn't auger well for the future of devolved government

John Manley 08 May, 2019

THE two governments are right to keep this fresh negotiation process low key because the prospects of success are slim.

Fionnuala O Connor: Progressive surge a lesson for unionism and Sinn Féin

Fionnuala O Connor 07 May, 2019

ALLIANCE won the day and Naomi Long voiced it, with sense enough to hail the boost for newer parties and use it niftily.

Campaigners voice concern over 'family voting' in council elections

Brendan Hughes 07 May, 2019

DEMOCRACY campaigners have voiced concern over the secrecy of the council election ballot being breached by 'family voting'.

'Show real leadership' Stormont parties urged as fresh talks begin

Brendan Hughes 07 May, 2019

STORMONT parties have been urged to show "real leadership" as a fresh talks process begins today in a bid to restore power-sharing.

Row over calls for civil disobedience if hard border imposed

07 May, 2019

VETERAN socialist Eamonn McCann has rejected claims by a DUP politician he is being "reckless" by encouraging civil disobedience in the event of a hard border.