Call on Labour and Greens to 'stop propping up FF and FG' for Lord Mayor

The Progressive Alliance has called on Labour and Green Party representatives in Dublin City Council to end the voting block that pre-determines who becomes Lord Mayor next Monday

News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 18:04, 26 Jun 2026 View Image Lord Mayor Cllr Ray McAdam with a rebranded Dublin City Council vehicle

The Progressive Alliance on Dublin City Council has revealed their nominee for the election of Lord Mayor.

While Dublin Live previously reported that Fianna Fail Cllr Daryl Barron is tipped to take up the mantle of Lord Mayor on Monday, the group is encouraging Labour and Green Party candidates to “to stop propping up Fianna Fail and Fine Gael”. They have called out a “voting block” among a majority of councillors since the local elections in 2024 that ensures their chosen candidate becomes Lord Mayor.

The group has offered their own alternative and plan to nominate Social Democrats Cllr Jesslyn Henry for Lord Mayor and Sinn Fein Cllr Edel Moran for Deputy Lord Mayor. Speaking ahead of Monday’s mayoral election, Social Democrat Group Leader Cllr Karl Stanley outlined their support for Cllr Henry.

“Jesslyn works tirelessly for her community in Kilmore, fighting for high-quality public housing and the proper resourcing of vital services such as special needs provision in schools. Jesslyn's advocacy on autism awareness led to Dublin City Hall being accredited as Autism Friendly - this is the sort of people-centred, positive, inclusive politics that will make her an excellent Lord Mayor that all Dubliners can be proud of,” he said.

Sinn Fein Group Leader Cllr Daithí Doolan outlined their support for Cllr Moran as Deputy Lord Mayor and said it is hugely important “we challenge the ruling group in Dublin City Council led by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael”. “The Progressive Alliance has worked as a cohesive alternative to the politics of these governments’ apologists. They have absolutely failed to stand up for families and communities in Dublin. They continue to be the mud guard for failed government policies,” he said.

He cited a need to stand up for Dubliners and “reversing the increase in council rents ” introduced last April. “I would appeal to Labour Party and Green Party councillors to stop propping up Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and to vote for Cllr Henry and Cllr Moran for Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor.”

For the Independent Group Cllr Pat Dune said he encourages the support of Cllr Henry and Cllr Moran and that “it is time we prioritised the regeneration of council housing in Dublin”. He said “with the right people as Mayor and Deputy Mayor” this is an issue that can be put back to the top of the council’s agenda.

“Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have simply ignored the needs of ordinary families and their communities. It is time for this to change. That change can start on Monday night. I strongly encourage Labour and the Green Party councillors to work with us and support our candidates Monday night,” he said.

People Before Profit Cllr Conor Reddy stressed the urgent need for social housing in Dublin and criticised “Fianna Fail and Fine Gael's slavish devotion to the private market” which he believes has led to “rising rents, record homelessness and a city where workers are priced out”.

“The Progressive Alliance shares a radically different, hopeful vision, of state-led delivery of homes at scale, putting public land to work for our city - housing delivery guided by the needs of ordinary Dubliners not investors or wealthy developers,” he said.

"Our vision can be realised in Dublin City through the council and can serve as a model for Ireland as a whole. We are again appealing to Labour and the Greens to join us to end Fianna Fail and Fine Gael rule in this city and deliver the change we so badly need. Choosing to remain in alliance with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when presented with a credible, progressive alternative as happened in 2025 will send a message to voters in this city and beyond on."

The Annual Council Meeting to elect a new Lord Mayor takes place on Monday, June 29 at 6:15pm in Dublin’s City Hall.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here .

Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .