Legislation underpinning Limerick's first directly elected mayor signed into law
Maiden election to take place in June
LEGISLATION underpinning the role of Limerick's first directly elected mayor has been signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.
It follows the passage of the laws last week in Seanad Eireann.
And it means it's full systems go ahead of the vote on June 7 - where Limerick people will be able to vote for an executive mayor.
In a brief statement, the President's office wrote: "Having considered the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, 2023, the President has signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law."
The move is significant, because in this country, the head of state, in this case, President Higgins, is the final person to sign off a bill into law before it is in action.
Prior to this, it is debated by Dail Eireann, which is the lower chamber of the Oireachtas, where government sits, and then the Seanad, which is the upper chamber.
Following President Higgins's action, it's now an act and part of the statute book.
Minister of State Kieran O'Donnell, the local TD who has spearheaded the legislation, last week hailed the passage of the bill through the Upper House as a "groundbreaking" and "historic day" and added: "It's a new dawn for Limerick in terms of local politics."
"Change is never easy. I'm always conscious that not everyone voted for this, so we need to bring people with us," Mr O'Donnell added.
There have still been just three formal declarations in the race to become Limerick's first direcly elected mayor.
Before Christmas, Green TD Brian Leddin confirmed his intention to run. Last, People Before Profit member Ruairi Fahy also threw his hat into the ring.
In the last few days, former secretary general at the Department of Finance John Moran confirmed he had the required 60 signatures to proceed into the contest.
And Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan said she will seek the Fianna Fail nomination.