LEADER OF GREENS IS EAMON TO BE NEXT TANAISTE
Ryan says No2 job is role he’d consider The critical thing is what we can do for the people
EAMON Ryan is teeing himself up as the country’s first Green Tanaiste.
The party’s leader has ruled out the top job of Taoiseach in the new Government if they join it but he has not ruled out the second most powerful position going to him.
He said he is considering the role because “it is something different” to the one now filled by Leo Varadkar.
Mr Ryan first has to battle some of his own party to remain on as leader because his deputy Catherine Martin is mulling over a challenge.
The Green Party’s constitution states it must have a leadership contest within six months of a General Election.
August 8 is D-day in this case because the election was held on February 8.
Mr Ryan said: “That’s our tradition and our rules that after an election within six months you have a leadership contest, that comes from our tradition.
“I think that’s something that’s perfectly healthy and natural and part of our process and part of the way we do things. Leadership is not what obsesses me.”
Mr Ryan was speaking on RTE’S Today With Sarah Mcinerney where he outlined his plans to possibly become Tanaiste.
He said: “It’s not something I’ve considered or talked to the party about but let’s wait until the end of the process.”
Mcinerney then pushed Mr Ryan directly and asked if he is considering the job.
He said: “Yes, because something very different.”
And on his own leadership struggle, he added: “I will happily put my name forward again but I’m not obsessing on that.
“I think the more critical thing is what can we do for the Irish people to get us out of the immediate crisis we’re in.”
Mr Ryan added that whoever wins the leadership battle, he and Ms Martin could still serve “vice versa” as leader and deputy leader after the contest.
Mr Ryan also said the party would be interested in the influential post of Attorney General going to a Green nominee. He added: “Whoever will
it
is be Attorney needs to be good lawyer government.”
Mr Ryan said the Covid payments would have to be adjusted next month as it is not sustainable to keep paying them at the current rate of €350 a week.
But he added the Green Party is in favour of a more long-term solution
General a really for the that would see the poorer in society entitled to a “basic income payment” whether on the dole or working.
The Greens are arguing for this in the current Programme for Government negotiations.
EAMON RYAN YESTERDAY