I don't see the problem with abolishing town councils or merging county and city councils. Four regional authorities might be too few, but I do think county lines is outdated in some places. For example, I'd prefer a Dublin Regional Council, that would take in parts of surrounding counties that are either part of the connurbation or commuter belt.
I also don't agree with so much power resting with unelected, and seemingly unaccountable, county managers. It definitely doesn't ensure decisions are for the greater good in my experience. I'd prefer directly elected mayors to replace them.
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