New book explores 125 years of local elections

A book examining all local elections in Ireland from 1899 to 2024 was launched in Cork this week.

Entitled ‘Democracy on Your Doorstep’, the book was written by Dr Aodh Quinlivan, Director of the Centre for Local and Regional Governance (CLRG) at UCC.

Officially launching the book at UCC, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle described it as a valuable addition to the understocked library of books on local government in Ireland.

The launch was part of the 9th annual public lecture series of the CLRG hosted by UCC which saw lectures delivered by Dr Rory Costello of University of Limerick, County Councillor Gillian Coughlan and Dr Quinlivan.

Dr Costello discussed voting behaviour in Ireland’s first direct mayoral election which took place in Limerick five months ago. Cllr Coughlan delivered an account of the realities of being a 21st century local elected representative, while making suggestions for reform. Dr Quinlivan analysed local government issues from 100 years ago linking them to the present.

The evening was chaired by UCC’s Dr Theresa Reidy who presented the Jane Dowdall Undergraduate Essay prize to BSc Government and Political Science student Jessica Hurley.

Marking the completion of her 10 year term as CE of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty was presented with the Philip Monahan Local Government Recognition Award.