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Finglas man to stand in mayor election

Tuesday, 02 March 2010

A FINGLAS upholsterer is the first to throw his hat into the ring for the position as the first directly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin. Sean Mooney of Valley Park has put himself in the running for the position as an “ordinary Joe Soap” because he is “sick to the teeth of the lip service and political hypocrisy” which he claims is rife within the city council. “I’ve found it extremely frustrating that we are always at the mercy of the usual suspects when it comes to decision making on the council and in politics in general,” he told Northside People. “I think many other ordinary people like myself want to see a change and someone who really represents the people of Dublin and the difficulties they face. “I don’t know if I’m being naïve or small-minded but I really think that an ordinary working class guy like myself could have the support of the wider community and will be seen as a wildcard; an outsider with a good chance of winning.” The outspoken 54-year-old will stand as an independent candidate as he has already proven an unwillingness to toe a party line. “In 1999 I was put forward as a candidate in the local elections for Fine Gael but had to walk away from it before the posters were even printed because of what was being asked and expected of me,” Sean stated. “I knew I couldn’t toe the party line, especially when it came to the controversial bin charges issue that was going on at the time. I would have had to vote in favour of the charges even though I was strongly opposed to their introduction. “I would have been hung, drawn and quartered if I went along with the party’s policy. I have absolutely no regard for Fine Gael now and for what they stand for.” He added: “I think the people of Finglas would vote for me, especially because I’m already reasonably well-known for my fundraising efforts for various charities.” It was revealed last week that the election of a Dublin lord mayor, originally proposed for June, will now be held towards the end of 2010. The cabinet recently agreed the contents of the lord mayor bill but details of the criteria and the election process itself remain vague. It’s expected that the new mayor will have similar powers to the Mayor of London and will have responsibility for transport, planning and waste policy in the city. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick (FF) and even rugby pundit and broadcaster George Hook are among those being tipped to contest the election for the chains of office – a daunting level of competition for the rebellious father-of-two who believes he would still stand a good chance. “I know I’d be going up against a steamroller if Bertie was to run but I really think people have had enough of the same old faces and jobs for the boys culture, especially when it comes to top decision making positions,” Sean explained. “I am totally confident in my ability. I wouldn’t be putting myself forward if I didn’t believe I could do the job. “I’m also not bull-headed enough to go against the various parties and city councillors just for the sake of it. I’m human, so I know I’d need to bend with the breeze.” Sean insists that he is serious about the position, much to the bemusement of others. “My wife thinks I’m a little crazy because of the size of the challenge I will be undertaking,” he explained. “But overall my family are very supportive and, after all, stranger things have happened.”