Local government leadership key to development, says McKinnon

Democracy and strong leadership in local government are vital for developing communities said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon speaking at the opening plenary session of the Common wealth Local Government Conference 2007. He said that there is need for a harmonious working relationship between local and central governments in order to deliver development to communities.

Speaking in Auckland, New Zealand at the 4^th Commonwealth Local Government Conference run by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) on 27 March 2007, Mr McKinnon also emphasised the role of local democracy in all Commonwealth countries in transforming societies.

“Local government – particularly in developing countries is about transforming societies,” the Secretary-General said.

Mr McKinnon stated that for most people in the Commonwealth, local government is the first contact with the authorities, and as such deserve to be strengthened and adequately funded by the central government.

“There is no point in devolving responsibilities to local government unless there are funds to match -- funds which are timely, predictable and based on agreed formulas,” he said.